HISTOET 

OF ' 

THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 



HISTORY 



TOWN OF KIRKLAND 



NEW YORK. 



Rev. A. D. GRIDLEY. 







NEW YORK: A 
PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON. 
Cambridge: ®l)e Biucvsite Press. 
1874. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S74, by 

A. D. GRIDLEr, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 






RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: 
PRINTED 1)1 H. 0. HOUGHTON AND COMPANT. 



To 

ALL WHO DWELL 
WITHIN THE BORDERS OF 

EXRKLAND 

THIS RECORD OF ITS EARLY HISTORY 

IS RESPECTFULLY 

DEDICATED. 



" Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.''" 



PEEFACE. 



This book owes its origin to the desire often expressed 
by some of the older inhabitants of Kirkland that the 
writer would prepare a full and connected history of the 
town. Some considerable progress had already been 
made in the production of such a history by the lecture 
of Hon. O. S. Williams, in the year 1848, and the 
chapter relating to this town in the " Annals " of Hon. 
Pomroy Jones, written some twenty-eight years ago. 
But these gentlemen did not attempt complete histories, 
and they were among the most earnest in soliciting the 
writer to prosecute further the work which they had 
begun. 

It has been my pleasant labor during several years past 
to collect the materials of the volume herewith presented. 
Starting with the important papers above referred to, 
I have endeavored to supplement them by every means 
within my reach. The few survivors of our early times 
and their immediate descendants have been frequently 
consulted, and the information gleaned from them has 
been carefully recorded. Whatever documents, old cor- 
respondence, or historical papers could be found to throw 



X PREFACE. 

light upon this subject, have been sought for and freely 
used. 

The book thus prepared consists of a preliminary sketch 
of this region of country before it was settled by white 
inhabitants ; some account of the several Indian tribes 
of this neighborhood ; an outline of the history of the 
town from its beginning until the present time ; sketches 
of the several churches and literary institutions of the 
place ; also of its natural history, its agriculture, horti- 
culture, and rural embellishment ; of its manufactures and 
mining operations, and of various other matters which 
need not here be enumerated. 

In writing the earlier portions of this history, I have 
drawn freely from the pages of Judge Williams and 
Judge Jones whatever seemed important in construct- 
ing my narrative. Facts have also been gathered from 
the lecture of Hon. William Tracy, of New York, on 
" Men and Events in the Early History of Oneida 
County ; " from the lectures of M. M. Bagg, M. D., of 
Utica, on " The Men of Old Fort Schuyler ; " and from 
" The League of the Iroquois," by Lewis H. Morgan. 
Among those whom I have consulted personally, mention 
should be made of the late Rev. Dr. Norton, the late 
James D. Stebbins, the late Mrs. Orrin Gridley, Mrs. 
Eli Lucas, Mr. George Bristol, and Mr. Gaius Butler. 
The sketch of the Botany of this town, which appears 
in the Appendix, was copied, so far as it was applicable, 
ii\ m the "Catalogue of Plants found in Oneida County 
and Vicinity," published a few years ago by Prof. John 



PREFACE. xi 

A. Paine, of New York ; and its accuracy and fullness 
are assured by the notes of Prof. Oren Root, LL. D., of 
Hamilton College. To insure entire impartiality and 
correctness in the histories of the several churches, pains 
has been taken to have them drawn up, as far as prac- 
ticable, by persons representing the respective denomi- 
nations. 

It seemed appropriate to commence this history with 
some account of the Indians who inhabited this region 
before the whites visited it. They built no monuments 
to themselves, they left nothing upon the soil of Kirkland 
except a few arrow-heads ; and they would soon cease to 
be remembered did not we, their pale-faced successors, 
gather up and preserve the fragments which remain of 
their sad history. And surely the white men who cleared 
up these forests, and laid the foundations of our churches 
and schools and social order, and whatever else of good 
we inherit, should not go uncommemorated. Especially 
at a time like this, when nearly all the older towns of 
the country are preparing histories of their several 
localities, and when even a multitude of families are 
zealously writing and publishing their genealogies, does 
it not become us who are well-born, and who are fast 
approaching our centennial anniversary, to see to it that 
the record of what our fathers were and what they 
accomplished, is not forgotten and left to perish ? If a 
tithe of the noble spirit which animated those fathers 
dwells in their sons, they will be held in abiding \onor. 

With these prefatory words, I submit this litole book 



xii PREFACE. 

to my fellow-townsmen with something of that confidence 
which their kind and cheering words during its prepara- 
tion were fitted to inspire. 

A. D. G. 
Clinton, N. Y., 1873. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 

Geographical and Topographical. — Natural History. — Indian Tribes, 
namely: The Oneidas, Stockbridges, Tuscaroras, and Brothertowns. — 
Relations of this Region to the French and English Wars and to the Rev- 
olution. — The old "Line of Property." — Efforts to instruct and chris- 
tianize the Indians. — Their manifest Destiny 1 

CHAPTER I. 

Early Settlement, when and by whom. — Settlement of the neighboring 
Towns. — Incidents of the first three Years. — The first public Religious 
Service. — The first Grist-Mill; first Saw-Mill. — The Village of Clinton 
named. — The first Death, and the first Wedding. — Horses introduced, 
and a fast Horse. — Great scarcity of Food. — The Town receives its 
Name. — The first frame House. — The first Birth .... 18 

• 

CHAPTER II. 

A Chapter of Miscellanies: Habits and Customs of the Indians. — A few 
Notables. — Story of "the fine fat Steer." — Case of Heinrich Staring. — 
The Oneida Chief and Major Pond. — Elijah Wampe. — Skenandoa. — 
Plattcoff. — Visit and Report of President Dwight. — Samson Occum . — 
Good Peter. — Naming of the Streets. — The first Burglary. — Moses 
Foot's Flower-Garden 36 

CHAPTER III. 

Sketch of the Life and Character of the Rev. Samuel Kirkland . . 62 

CHAPTER IV. 

Religious Denominations: The Congregational Church, and the Presbyte- 
rian Church. — Sketch of the Life and Character of the Rev. Asahel S. 
Norton, D. D. — The Methodist Church.— The Universalist Church. — 
The College Church. —The Baptist Church. —The Manchester Church. 
— Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church. — Saint James' Episcopal 
Church 90 



xiv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

Educational Institutions : Hamilton Oneida Academy. — Hamilton College. 

— Clinton Grammar School. — Miss Royce's Seminary. — The Liberal 
Institute, in its two Departments. — Mr. Kellopg's Domestic Seminary. 

— The Home Cottage Seminary. — Dwigkt's Rural High School, and 
the Clinton Rural High School. — The Cottage Seminary. — Houghton 
Seminary. — Mrs. Marr's Select School. — The Common Schools . 120 

CHAPTER VI. 

Agriculture. — Horticulture. — Ornamental Gardening. — Kirkland Agri- 
cultural Society. — The Clinton Rural Art Society. — The Clinton Ceme- 
tery. — The College Grounds ■ 151 

CHAPTER VII. 

Manufactures and Mining: The Clinton Woolen Factory. — Kellogg's and 
Wood's Fulling Mill. — Nail Factory. — Marvin's Hat Factory. — Scythe 
Factory. — Clock Making. — Pottery. — Brick Making. — Manufacture 
of Potash. — Tanneries. — Grist-Mills. — Saw-Mills. — Chair Factory. — 
Distillery. — Manchester Cotton Factory. — Clarks' Mills. — Iron Ore: its 
Discovery; the Situation and Extent of the Mines; the Quality and Value 
of the Ore. — The Franklin Iron Works. — The Clinton Iron Works. — 
Cheese Factories 162 

' CHAPTER VIII. 

Of Many Things: Prominent Physicians, Lawyers, and Farmers. — The 
Laying out of Streets. — The Chenango Canal. — The Plank Road. — 
The Telegraph. — The Express Business. — Banks and Banking Houses. 

— Incorporation of the Village of Clinton. — Village Newspapers and 
Printing Office. — Agricultural Papers. — Population of Town and Vil- 
lage. — The Utica, Clinton, and Binghamton Railroad. — The Rome and 
Clinton Railroad. — Patriotism of the Inhabitants of Kirkland. — Gen- 
eral Review 178 

APPENDIX. 

1. Catalogue of Trees and Plants in the Town of Kirkland . 201 

2. Extracts from Address of Hon. Anson S. Miller .... 216 

3. Exercises at the Dedication of the Kirkland Monument . . 221 

4. Subscriptions for building Hamilton Oneida Academy . . 226 

Index 229 



*v. 






LIST OF ILLUSTEATIOKS. 
— ♦— 

Map of the Town of Kirkland .... Frontispiece. 

Portrait of Samuel Kirkland 62 

Old White Meeting-House . . . . . . . 95 

Hamilton Oneida Academy 122 

Clinton Grammar School 132 



HISTORY 

OF 

THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER, 

Before the settlement of central New York by per- 
manent inhabitants, this region of country had been vis- 
ited by white men at different times, and in pursuit 
of widely different objects. Among the first were the 
Jesuit missionary Isaac Jogues and his associates, Rend 
Goupil and Guillaume Couture, who, in the year 1641, 
were brought here from Canada by the Mohawks as pris- 
oners of war, but who spent a portion of the time of their 
captivity in exploring the Mohawk Valley. These pio- 
neers were followed by others in succession for many 
years, until the year 1700, when all Jesuit priests were 
expelled by law from the State of New York. Between 
1712 and 1764, several Protestant missionaries also vis- 
ited the Indian tribes of central New York, and labored 
among them with greater or less success. 

Dutch traders from Fort Orange (now Albany) like- 
wise penetrated the country at an early day, intent on 
opening traffic with the Iroquois, and securing the monop- 
oly of trade to themselves. These pioneers and explorers 
from the East followed, for the most part, the old Indian 
trail which for centuries had run from the Hudson River, 
near Albany, to Lake Erie, at Buffalo, and which, on the 
l 



2 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KWKLAND. 

opening of the country to civilization, was found to be the 
natural and best route for travel and commerce. 

On the breaking out of the old French War, in 1755, 
the Mohawk Valley was entered by the military forces of 
the English under Lord Amherst, who fortified different 
points between Herkimer and the Great Lakes, some of 
which became the theatres of bloody battles. Among 
these were Fort Dayton, now Herkimer, Fort Schuyler, 
now Utica, and Tort Stanwix, now Rome. Nor should 
we omit to mention the village of Oriskany, the encounter 
at which place, at a later day, forms an important page 
in the history of the American Revolution. 

In the year 1683, the territory lying mostly within the 
present limits of the State of New York was divided into 
twelve counties, namely : New York, Albany, Dutchess, 
Kings, Queens, Orange, Ulster, Richmond, Suffolk, West- 
chester, Dukes, and Cornwall. In 1772, the county of 
Try on was formed out of Albany, and in 1784, its name 
was changed to Montgomery, in honor of the great gen- 
eral who fell at Quebec. By an Act of the same Legis- 
lature, Montgomery was divided into four districts, named 
Mohawk, Canajoharie, Palatine, German Flats, and Kings- 
land. The district of German Flats lay along the Mohawk 
River, and extended westward to the boundary of the 
State, its whole territory being an unbroken forest. 

In March, 1788, by an Act of the Legislature, German 
Flats was divided, and, among others, the town of Whites- 
town was formed out of it, and its boundaries fixed and 
described as follows : on the north by Canada ; on the 
east by a line crossing the Mohawk River at the ford near 
the house of William Cunningham, and running north 
and south to the State lines ; on the south by the State 
of Pennsylvania ; and on the west by the bounds of the 



SITUATION OF THE TOWN. 3 

State. The house of William Cunningham stood near 
the foot of the present Genesee Street, in Utica. 

Whitestown was again divided in April, 1792, and the 
following towns constructed out of its territory, namely : 
Westmoreland, Steuben, Paris, Mexico, Peru, and Whites- 
town. 

The county of Herkimer was divided in 1798, and the 
additional counties of Oneida and Chenango formed out 
of it. By several subsequent Acts of the Legislature, be- 
tween the years 1802 and 1816, Oneida County was 
divided and reduced in territorial extent until it was 
brought to its present limits. 

By a law passed April 13, 1827, the town of Kirkland 
was formed from a part of Paris, — and so named in honor 
of the missionary, Kirkland, — and in February, 1829, the 
town of Marshall was formed from a part of the town of 
Kirkland. 

This town is situated in the middle portion of the 
county of Oneida. Its latitude, — assuming the Litch- 
field Observatory at Hamilton College to be its geo- 
graphical centre, — is 43° 3' 16" 5 north, and its longi- 
tude 5h. lm. 37s. 12 west from Greenwich. It is about 
six hundred and seven feet above the level of the sea. 
The surface of the country is diversified by hills and val- 
leys. On the west is a range running north to south, 
near the summit of which Hamilton College is situated, 
and on the east and south is the lower part of Paris Hill 
and Chuckery. The valley between is watered by the 
Oriskany Creek, which, formed from two branches rising 
in the towns of Madison and Sangerfield, and uniting at 
Deansville, flows northward a distance of twelve miles, and 
empties into the Mohawk River near the village of Oris- 
kany. This creek is fed by numerous smaller streams 



4 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

known to the older inhabitants as Sherman Brook, Mar- 
vin Brook, and White Brook. Its water-power is con- 
siderable, the descent between the southern and northern 
limits of the town being about one hundred and seventy 
feet. Oriskany is an Indian name, formed from the word 
Ockrisk or Orisca, signifying nettles ; and it was applied 
to this creek by the natives on account of the abundance 
of these weeds growing along its banks. 

GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. 

The Geology and Mineralogy of Kirkland are briefly 
described by Dr. Oren Root, of Hamilton College, as fol- 
lows : — 

" The rocks belong to what our geologists call the Silu- 
rian Age. The lowest in place is the Oneida conglomer- 
ate, a hard, gritty rock, of grayish color, and composed 
of quartz pebbles finely cemented. This rock is seen by 
the roadside, a short distance from Clinton, toward Utica. 

" Above the conglomerate, w r e find the rocks of the Clin- 
ton Group, well developed on both sides of the valley of 
the Oriskany Creek. These rocks consist of alternate 
layers of shale and hard sandstone, with very impure 
limestone. They contain beds of lenticular iron ore, 
and abundant remains of Fucoids, Corals, Mollusks, and 
Trilobites. 

" In the ravines on College Hill, w r e find directly above 
the Clinton rocks, a thin deposit of the shales of the 
Niagara Group, containing imbedded masses of limestone 
with lead and zinc ores. 

" Next above these dark shales, we find the red shale 
of the Onondaga Group, a rock of great thickness, and 
well developed in this town, but as elsewhere entirely 
destitute of fossils. 



GEOL OGY A ND ORNITHOL G Y. 5 

" On the hills both east and west of the Oriskany, and 
south of the red shale, we find the drab-colored rocks of 
the Water-lime Group. 

" The valleys and most of the hillsides of this town are 
covered with the material of the Drift Period, consisting 
of sand, gravel, and pebbles cemented with clay. 

" The rocks of Kirkland contain numerous Fossils. Of 
the following genera of Mollusks there are many species, 
to wit : Orthis, Lingula, Leptasna, Atrypa, Pentamerus, 
Spirifer. 

" Of chambered shells : Oncocerus, Orthocerus, Corals, 
and Crinoids are abundant, and Fucoids in certain locali- 
ties ; but Trilobites are more rarely found. 

" The minerals of Kirkland are as follows : Oxide of 
Iron, Sulphuret of Iron, Carbonate of Iron, Sulphuret of 
Lead, Sulphuret of Zinc, Strontianite, Celestine, Calcite, 
Gypsum, Quartz Crystals." 

Of Birds, the catalogue is, for substance, this : The 
common black-bird, crow black-bird, bob-o-link, blue- 
bird, crane, cat-bird, cherry or cedar bird, chip-bird, 
chickadee, the crow, cow-bird, cuckoo, eagle, ground-bird, 
fish-hawk, hen-hawk, yellow-hammer, humming-bird, in- 
digo-bird, blue-jay, king-fisher, meadow-lark, sky-lark, 
sand-martin, house-martin, several varieties of the owl, 
i?he oriole, partridge, wild-pigeon, Phoebe-bird, plover, 
robin, song- sparrow, wood-sparrow, several sorts of swal- 
low and of the snow-bird, the common snipe, tip-up or tit- 
lark, song-thrush, brown thrush, wood-wren, yellow wren, 
brown wren, two or three kinds of wood-pecker, and the 
yellow-bird. A few of the above list we suspect are birds 
of civilization. 

The Soil of this town may be described in general 
terms as a clayey loam, with here and there beds of sand 



6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 

and gravel. The alluvial deposits along the shores of 
the Oriskany are rich in the elements of fertility. 

The principal Forest-trees are the maple, in its varieties 
of the rock, the scarlet, the black, the striped bark, and 
the mountain maple ; the white, the red, and the cork- 
bark elm ; the white and black ash ; the white and red 
beech ; the black and yellow birch ; the basswood, but- 
tonwood, ironwood or hornbeam, butternut, bitternut, 
wild poplar, wild cherry, the hemlock, white pine, and, 
more rarely, the tulip-tree, white oak, the larch, black 
spruce, and white cedar or arbor-vitse. 1 

The Animals originally inhabiting these forests were 
the black bear, the lynx or wild cat, the red fox, the 
wolf, weasel, rabbit, skunk, raccoon, musk-rat ; red, 
gray, and black squirrels; the chip- muck, and wood- 
chuck. 

INDIAN TRIBES. 

Of the Indian tribes inhabiting this part of the State, 
the Oneidas were the chief. As to their origin the tra- 
ditions are various, but the one most credible represents 
them as coining at a very early period from the northern 
shores of the St. Lawrence, near Montreal, and settling 
on the shores of the lake which bears their name. For 
an indefinite period they lived separate from the tribes 
around them ; but about one hundred years before the 
landing of the Dutch at 'New York, they combined with 
several other tribes and formed the famous League of the 
Iroquois. 

Their domain extended from the lands of the Mohawks 
on the east to those of the Onondagas on the west ; on 

1 For a more adequate view of the Trees and Plants of this town, see 
Appendix I. 



THE ONEIDA INDIANS. 7 

the north to the St. Lawrence, and on the south to an 
indefinite point in Pennsylvania. Not so warlike and 
bloodthirsty as the Mohawks, they were yet more cool 
and determined in the heat of battle, and more sagacious 
and influential in the councils of the great confederacy. 
The best informed travellers who visited them at an early 
day speak in admiration of their noble physiques, their 
polished manners and their very musical language. 

• David Cusick, the Tuscarora historian, says that " the 
earliest recollected residence " of the Oneidas was upon 
the southern shore of Oneida Lake, near the mouth of 
Oneida Creek. Remains of their rude fortifications were 
found here by the first white settlers. From this place 
they removed to the lands covered by the present town 
of Stockbridge, Madison County, where their Sacred 
Stone was deposited. 1 It is believed that this removal 

1 In respect to this Stone, antiquarians are not wholly agreed. Some hold 
that it was not a material rock, but a purely symbolical stone, designed to 
represent the spirit and qualities of the nation. Others maintain that it was a 
veritable stone. And there is a respectable legend concerning it which we are 
bound reverently to hand over to posterity. It runs thus : — 

At the first settlement of the tribe near Oneida Lake, they found an oblong, 
roundish stone, unlike any of the rocks in the vicinity, which became their 
sacrificial altar, and gave the name to their tribe. Onia is the word in their 
dialect for a scone (Morgan says: "The stone known as granite"), and a s 
they increased in numbers, they became known as the Onia-tang, or People of 
the Stone. Around this stone they assembled for council and for festive and 
religious games. Here they slit the ears of their sons when they went on the 
war-path. When they removed from the region of the lake, to the town of 
Stockbridge, this stone removed without the help of human hands to their new 
home, and deposited itself in the centre of a butternut grove overlooking a wide 
and fertile valley. Here it remained until the tribe had become widely dis- 
persed and its unity destroyed. 

In the year 1849, when the Forest Hill Cemetery, near Utica, was laid out, 
the trustees learned that Mr. James Gregg, of Stockbridge, on whose farm the 
reputed Oneida Stone rested, was desirous that it should be removed to some 
public inclosure, where it would be protected from injury, and its history and 
associations preserved in memory. The trustees thereupon procured its 
removal to Utica, and it now stands upon a grass-plot just within the gates of 



8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

was made prior to the formation of the Iroquois con-' 
federacy, about 1530. At some unknown period before 
the year 1600, they again changed their headquarters to 
a place called Ca-no-wa-loa, the present site of Oneida 
Castle. They resided here in 1609, when the Dutch 
settled upon Hudson River. Tradition says that in 
the year 1650, they numbered three thousand souls. In 
1677, they were represented as having one village of one 
hundred houses, and about two hundred fighting men. 
In 1763, Sir William Johnson, Indian Agent, reports : 
" Oneidas, two hundred and fifty men, two villages, one 
of them twenty-five miles from Fort Stanwix, the other 
twelve miles west of Oneida Lake, with emigrants in 
several places towards the Susquehanna River." In 
1768, he reports, " fifteen hundred souls, all told." 

In the long controversies between the rival colonies 
of the French in Canada and the English in New York, 
the Oneidas bore an important part. As a general fact, 
they sided with the English ; though the showy presents, 
plausible speeches and imposing religious ceremonies of 
the French often blinded their eyes, and made them 
waver from their steadfastness. 

Prior to the French War of 1755, Sir William John- 
son exerted a powerful sway over the whole confederacy ; 
and it was chiefly through his influence that a large por- 
tion of the Iroquois were brought into alliance with the 
English during that war. At the beginning of the 
American Revolution, the colonists felt the importance 
of keeping the Indian tribes in a state of neutrality ; or 

the cemetery. At the dedication of the cemetery, the remnants of the 
Oneidas in this region and a few Onondagas were present. Ono-neo-gon, the 
head chief of the Oneidas, made an address, which was interpreted to the 
assembly. The natives then sang their national songs around the stone, and 
surrendered it to the care of their white brethren to preserve for future times. 



THE ONEIDAS DURING THE REVOLUTION. 9 

if they insisted on fighting, of securing their adhesion to 
the colonial interest. As one means of effecting this, 
they applied to the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, a missionary 
among the Oneidas, Judge James Dean, and Ske- 
nandoa the Oneida chief, and besought them to use 
their endeavors to hold the Iroquois at peace with both 
parties. The Mohawks and the western tribes could not 
be controlled, but the main body of the Oneidas, with 
portions of the Tuscaroras and the St. Regis tribe, were 
held firm for the colonists. And yet, knowing what we 
do of the Indian character, it is no matter of surprise to 
find that as the great war waxed hot around them, the 
Oneidas were sometimes drawn into it. To give them 
some show of employment, the colonial government often 
used them as scouts and skirmishers, and in procuring 
and conveying intelligence of the movements of the enemy. 
They were also required to maintain a strong out-post at 
Oneida Castle, so as to interrupt the movements of the 
British forces up and down the Mohawk Valley. 

At the close of the war, so great and so rapid was the 
influx of white settlers into the Indian territory, it de- 
volved upon our government to form new treaties and 
stipulations with the tribes in reference to the sale of 
their lands, and the boundaries within which they should 
be permitted to reside and be protected in their rights. 
Those tribes which had been hostile to us were treated 
with a mild and humane policy, yet with less considera- 
tion than those which had befriended our cause. At a 
convention of commissioners appointed by Congress in 
October, 1783, for determining the relations of the gov- 
ernment to the several tribes, a series of resolutions was 
passed, among which was the following : — 

" Sixthly : And whereas the Oneidas and Tuscaroras 



10 BI8T0BY OF 'JUL 1 :SD. 

... and joined her 
( _ has frequent] 

f favor and friendship, the 

■ 

. and 
claim as 
I 

je to 

crancil of th ; - 

•r 15, 

them and the 

iendly 

rvatioi 

. and the boi . ! be- 

3 the old Line of 

of 176£ . 

■ 
i 

a definite line should be 

- 

uy-Hne 

.. ran up (he 
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branch 

. Wood 

whit** 

I 

I Kirkland i 



EFFORTS TO CHRISTIANIZE THE ONEIDAS. 11 

In the war of 1812, the Oneidas, as well as the Onon- 
dagas, Cayugas. and Senecas, took sides with the Ameri- 
can forces, and rendered valuable service. Their bravery 
at Chippewa and at Lundy's Lane has become matter of 
history, and the bold daring of Doxtator, an Oneida chief 
who fell on the latter field, deserves an imperishable 
record. 

Our sketch of this important Indian tribe would be in- 
complete without some notice of the efforts made by the 
whites to instruct and christianize them. As we have 
already mentioned, this part of the Stale was visited at 
an early day by Jesuit missionaries from Canada. In the 
year 16G7, a Romish mission was established at Oneida 
by Father Jacques Bruyas. Between the years 1G74 and 
1696, Father Millet labored among this people, .but both 
of these men report the tribe as wild and intractable, and 
indisposed to heed their instructions. About four years 
later,, the English government ordered all French mis- 
sionaries and traders out of the State. 

Soon after the year 1700, several Protestant ministers 
from the adjoining colonies made occasional visits to the 
Oneidas, and gave them religious instruction. 

In 1712, Rev. William Andrews, sent out by the Brit- 
ish " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in For- 
eign Parts," came among the Mohawks, where he re- 
mained six years, with frequent visits to the Oneidas ; 
but the fruits of his ministry were so small that he soon 
afterwards withdrew from the field. 

be traced by a person standing on the Astronomical Observatory at Hamilton 
College. Starting at a point several rods east of the Observatory, it descends 
the hill near the residence of Prof. Edward North, crosses the road just above 
the school-house at the foot of College Hill, passes through Mr. Harrington's 
saw-mil] on the Oriskany, and thence runs up the southeastern slope to the 
south of Tans Hill, and so on to its termination iu Bridgewater. See Map of 
the Town of Kirkland. 



12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

In the year 1750, while the philosophers and theolo- 
gians of both hemispheres were beginning to admire the 
profound treatises of Jonathan Edwards, the Indians of 
central New York were also beginning to hear of him ; 
not so much of his genius and learning, as of his piety 
and benevolence. Around their firesides, the Oneidas 
and Mohawks and Tuscaroras talked of him and of his 
mission school at Stockbridge, in Massachusetts, and sev- 
eral families with their children resolved to go forthwith 
to New England, that they might sit at his feet and en- 
joy his instructions. At this juncture, also, several be- 
nevolent persons in New England were moved to carry 
the gospel to these tribes, and to set up the institutions 
of religion and education in their very midst. Accord- 
ingly, we learn of the Rev. Elihu Spencer dwelling for a 
season at the village of Oquago (a colony of the Onei- 
das), then of a new missionary company sent out from 
Stockbridge, in May, 1753, to follow up the beginnings 
made by Mr. Spencer. This party consisted of Rev. Mr. 
Hawley, Dea. Timothy Woodbridge, and Rev. Mr. Ash- 
ley and wife. Of this company, all except Mr. Hawley 
returned to New England after a short and discouraging 
trial of missionary life. Mr. Hawley held the ground 
until the commotions of the French War rendered his 
longer stay hazardous and almost useless. In the year 
1766, Rev. Samuel Kirkland established a mission among 
the Oneidas which he occupied during his whole life, in- 
terrupted only by the disturbances of the Revolution. He 
was supported at first by the Connecticut Board of a 
Scotch Missionary Society, and afterwards by the Boston 
Board of a London society. His labors for the moral 
elevation of this people were in some degree successful, 
though the fruits were not so abundant as he had de- 



TUSCARORA AND STOCKBRIDGE INDIANS. 13 

sired. In the year 1816, a mission was established at 
Oneida by the Episcopalians, and in 1829, by the 
Methodists. 

But ere long this tribe began to show signs of disin- 
tegration. Between the years 1822 and 1833, the main 
body of the Oneidas sold their lands and removed to 
Green Bay, Brown County, Wisconsin. 1 A portion also 
migrated to a reservation on the river Thames, in Canada, 
where about four hundred of them now reside. Smaller 
parties have since gone westward, so that now only a few 
families reside in this region. According to the census 
of 1865, there were one hundred and fifty-five then liv- 
ing near Oneida Castle, whose occupations were hunting, 
fishing, weaving baskets, and the practice of a rude agri- 
culture. At present (1873), there are, of men, women 
and children, two hundred and twenty-seven. 

It would seem that the Oneidas, savages though they 
were, knew how to exercise the grace of hospitality. For, 
in the year 1715, the Tuscarora Indians, having been 
expelled from North Carolina, came to the north, and, 
on the ground of their common origin, were invited to 
occupy a portion of the Oneida territory, lying between 
the Chenango and Unadilla rivers. They were also con- 
stituted the sixth member of the Irocmois confederacy. 
On the sale of the Oneida lands to the government, the 
Tuscaroras removed to western New York, near Lewis- 
ton, where about three hundred and seventy of them now 
reside. 

It appears also that quite friendly relations had existed 
for many years between the Oneidas and the Stockbridge 

1 In the year 1842, the Oneidas at Green Bay numbered 722; in 1849, the}- 
numbered 830. In the census of 1805, they numbered " nearly 800." In 1873, 
hey numbered 1259. 



14 HISTORY OF THE TO \VN OF KIRK LAND. 

Indians of Massachusetts. This latter tribe had lived, 
since 1735, in the township of Stockbridge, where a 
territory six miles square had been assigned them by the 
Legislature. Here they were favored for many years 
with schools and Christian teachers, among the latter of 
whom were Rev. John Sergeant, Timothy Woodbridge, 
Jonathan Edwards, and Dr. Stephen West. During the 
last French War, they sided with the English, and in 
the Revolution they declared for the American colonies. 
At the close of the war, General Washington directed a 
grand feast to be prepared for them, in consideration of 
their valuable services, and an ox was roasted whole, of 
which men and women partook with great rejoicing. 
Rev. John Sergeant Jr. and Judge Dean presided at 
the table. 

Previous to this time, the Oneidas had offered them a 
tract of land six miles square within their borders, but 
the disturbances of the Revolution prevented their im- 
mediate removal. After peace was declared, they 
accepted the proffer of the Oneidas, and migrated to their 
new home, which they called New Stockbridge. A por- 
tion came in the year 1783, another in 1785, and the 
remainder in 1788. Rev. John Sergeant Jr. was ap- 
pointed to be their minister, and organized a church 
among them of sixteen members. He continued here 
until his death, at seventy-seven years of age. This 
tribe remained within the borders of Oneida and Madison 
counties, until the year 1821, when, feeling themselves 
sore pressed on all sides by the whites, they disposed of 
their lands and removed to Green Bay, on to a large 
tract of land which they bought of the Menominee and 
Winnebago Indians. In their new home they have 
made considerable progress in agriculture, and, for 



BRO THERTO WN INDIANS. 15 

Indians, are sober, prosperous, and happy. 1 In the year 
1873, they were reported as numbering two hundred and 
forty-five. 

Another tribe of Indians occupying this region for 
many years was the Brothertown. It was composed of 
the remnants of several disorganized and half-decayed 
tribes in New England, New Jersey, and Long Island, 
namely, the Narragansetts, Mohegans, Montauks, Pe- 
quots, Naticks, and others ; and derived its name from the 
composition of its body. It is not known precisely when 
this organization was effected ; only it is well ascertained 
that the Oneidas opened the door of the " Long House " 
to their eastern cousins at quite an early day, and that 
several of the eastern State governments assisted in 
collecting these scattered clans together, and in effecting 
their removal. They came here at different times, their 
central village being near the Oriskany Creek, and 
mostly within the bounds of the present town of Mar- 
shall. A portion of their reservation extended into the 
township of Kirkland. As early as 1763, Sir William 
Johnson reports them as numbering two hundred war- 
riors, and in all one thousand souls. 

The Brothertowns, having no common language, used 
the English. This of itself did them no harm ; but, hav- 
ing lost all national pride, their several histories being 
histories only of defeat, decline, and disgrace, they gave 

1 Tradition among the Stockbridges maintains that their forefathers came 
from the distant northwest; that, driven by famine, they crossed over great 
waters, and at length reached the Hudson River, east of which they settled. 
Their ancestors lived ill villages and towns, and were civilized and very 
numerous. Their dispersion "demoralized" them. On reaching the Hudson 
River, they saw ebbing and flowing waters which they said was like what they 
had been familiar with in their native country. President Dwight, in referring 
to these traditions, thinks that this tribe came from Asia, and that the " ebbing 
»nd flowing waters " were what they had seen at Behring's Straits. 



16 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

up all ambition and public spirit, and became exceedingly 
corrupt and degraded. 

A better day dawned upon them when they migrated 
to the West, which they did in company with the Stock- 
bridges in the years 1822 and 1825. In their new home 
they seemed to imbibe a new spirit. They adopted many 
of the customs of the whites, becoming farmers, me- 
chanics, the patrons of schools, and in a good degree the 
friends and promoters of morals and religion. 1 

Within the memory of our present older inhabitants, 
the scattered members of these several tribes lingered 
around Clinton. The Brothertowns, especially, on mili- 
tary training days, and on the Fourth of July, were in 
the habit of coming to the village to spend the day in 
shooting with bow and arrow, wrestling, leaping and 
running, often ending it in drunkenness and fighting. 

These brief sketches of the Indian tribes formerly in- 
habiting this region suggest the old inquiry as to the 
equity of the treatment which the red men have received 
from the whites, and as to their ultimate destiny as a 
race. Probably none will maintain that our dealings 
with them have in all respects been just and generous. 
Yet if there ever was a people whose manifest destiny it 
was to decline and give room to a better race, it was the 
Indian. Mr. Lewis Morgan, in his book entitled " The 
League of the Iroquois," thus describes the great central 
trail of the Indians through the State of New York : 
" It was from twelve to eighteen inches wide, and deeply 
worn in the ground ; varying in this respect from three 
to six inches, depending upon the firmness of the soil. 

1 For many years prior to their removal West, Mr. Thomas Dean (after whom 
Deansville was named) was the Commissioner of the State to manage their 
affairs. Mr. Dean was the father of Mrs. Professor Catlin. 



DESTINY OF THE INDIANS. 17 

The large trees on each side of the trail were frequently 
marked with the hatchet. This well-beaten foot-path, 
which no runner nor band of warriors could mistake, had 
doubtless been trod by successive generations from cen- 
tury to century. It was the natural line of travel, geo- 
graphically considered, between the Hudson and Lake 
Erie." 

And this was all that aboriginal civilization could do ! 
Its great central highway across this State was a mere 
foot-path, twelve or eighteen inches wide, and this it had 
been for centuries, with no prospect of improvement. 
Its petty commerce was transacted upon the backs of 
men and women, and in little bark canoes. It subdued 
no forests, built no cities, turnpikes, canals, railways, or 
telegraphs ; it established no schools and churches ; it 
formed no written language, printed no books, cultivated 
no arts ; it did nothing to advance the race in intelligence 
and virtue. And even when the lights of learning and 
religion were offered to this people, they seemed incapable 
of appreciating the gift and turning it to good account. 
Surely, we as the stronger race cannot assume to be clean 
of all injustice toward them, nor can we withhold tears 
of sympathy over their melancholy fate, yet .we must 
believe that they were unfit to be the lords of this broad 
land, and were righteously doomed to pass away. 
2 



CHAPTER I. 

In the foregoing pages, we have endeavored to present 
the physical aspects and surroundings of this region of 
country, with its inhabitants, and some of the leading 
events which had transpired here before the town became 
the permanent abode of a civilized community. To a 
traveller passing through the Oriskany Valley in the year 
1785, the country presented all the indications of an un- 
broken wilderness. His path was an Indian trail. If he 
ascended the hill on the west, he looked down upon a sea 
of forests undulating over the knolls and slopes which 
diversify the valley, and up the amphitheatre of hills 
which rise on the east and south. Here and there he 
saw little wreaths of smoke curling up from Indian wig- 
wams, and perhaps through openings 'in the trees he 
caught an occasional glimmer of the Oriskany. Beyond 
all were the Trenton hills, as blue and serene as now. 

Before the war of the Revolution, Dutch settlers came 
up the Mohawk Valley from Albany and New York, and 
established themselves along that river, their western- 
most towns being Herkimer and German Flats. The 
fertile banks of the Mohawk contented them ; they saw 
no star of empire beckoning to the West. But after the 
Revolution, a new emigration set in, chiefly from New 
England. During the war, many persons who pene- 
trated the country as soldiers took pains to observe the 
character and resources of the land, and its fitness for 
permanent occupancy on the return of peace. It is 



EARLY EXPLORERS. 19 

mentioned by Judge Williams in his Historical Address, 
that " as early as 1776, seven pairs of brothers, from as 
many different families in the town of Plymouth, Conn., 
enlisted under the command of Captain David Smith, 
were marched westward, and during the summer of that 
year were stationed by turns at Fort Herkimer, Fort 
Schuyler, and Fort Stanwix. They visited the sur- 
rounding country, and at the close of the war were ready 
at once to go up and possess the land." 

It would seem, however, that the earliest actual settlers 
in this region were two enterprising Germans, named 
Roof and Brodock, who with their families came from 
German Flats, in the year 1760, and took up their abode 
at the landing-place on the Mohawk near Fort Stanwix, 
where they gained a livelihood by transporting produce 
and goods across the carrying-place from the river to 
Wood Creek. 1 Roof was also an inn-keeper and a trader 
with the Indians. These men held no title to their lands, 
but occupied them under a contract for their purchase 
from Oliver Delancey, one of the proprietors of the Oris- 
kany patent. They were driven from this post during 
the war, but on the declaration of peace they returned 
and took up their abode in their old quarters. This was 
in reality the first settlement of whites in central New 
York, yet the regular and systematic work of colonizing 
the country and filling it with landholders and permanent 
citizens did not commence until the year 1784. This was 
undertaken by Mr. Hugh White, who, with his four sons 

1 The Mohawk River was navigable from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler for 
boats carrying twenty tons, and to Fort Stanwix for small batteaux. At the 
latter place, a portage of a mile and a half was required to carry goods and 
produce to Wood Creek, which empties into Oneida Lake. Fish Creek connects 
this lake with Lake Ontario. Thus was formed a thoroughfare between tide- 
water and the Great Lakes of the West. 



20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1EKLAND. 

and a daughter and daughter-in-law, came that year 
from Middletown, Conn., into the region since known 
as Whitestown. Immediately after the declaration of 
peace, he had purchased a portion of the Sadaqueda 
patent, and now, in May, 1784, he came on with a part 
of his family to take possession. They ascended the 
Hudson River to Albany, then crossed over to Schenec- 
tady, and from thence came up the Mohawk in a batteau 
to the mouth of the Sauquoit Creek. His purchase con- 
sisted of fifteen hundred acres of land lying on the right 
of the Indian path between Fort Schuyler and Fort 
Stanwix, and covered a portion of the present village of 
Whitesboro. Having erected a log-house and cleared a 
part of his land, he returned to Connecticut in January 
following, and brought on the remainder of his family. 
Next year, his little colony was increased by the addition 
of several families, and the name 'of Whitestown, which 
stood for an indefinite region in central New York, was 
soon known throughout New England. 

Two years after this, namely, in the spring of 1787, the 
settlement of the town of Kirkland was begun. In the 
autumn of the previous year, Moses Foot, in company 
with a few other explorers, had visited this neighborhood, 
inquiring into its suitableness for a settlement ; and in 
February following, James Bronson also came to look into 
this valley, and spent a night (February 27, 1787) on 
Clinton Green, sheltered by the upturned roots of an an- 
cient hemlock. There is a tradition, also, that Ludim 
Blodgett was here quite early in the fall of 1786, and 
showed his faith in the future town by commencing a log- 
house on what is now the corner of the village Park and 
Kellogg Street. These visits, however, were only pre- 
liminary surveys of Kirkland's capabilities. 



FIRST SETTLERS. 21 

The settlement was actually begun in the spring of the 
year 1787, by seven or eight families, five of them from 
the town of Plymouth already mentioned. They had 
started from New England a few years before, and for some 
now unknown reason halted at German Flats, which was 
then the most western settlement of permanent inhabitants. 
All needful inquiries and preparations having been made 
at that point, these several families moved onward to this 
region. At the time of their coming, there were three 
log-houses at Fort Schuyler (now Utica), seven at 
Whitestown, three at Oriskany, five at Fort Stanwix 
(Rome), and three at Westmoreland. These twenty-one 
rude shelters covered all the population then in Oneida 
County. Our pioneers followed what was known as 
" the old. Moyer road," which brought them to what is 
now Paris Hill, and thence turning north, they halted 
near the site of the present village of Clinton. This was 
on the 4th of March, 1787. The " Moyer road " just 
mentioned was a part of the Indian trail leading from 
Buffalo to the Mohawk Valley, and terminating at a 
place some distance east of Utica, where a Dutchman 
named Moyer kept a tavern. 

It would seem that the exploring party who came here, 
in the fall of 1786, were not agreed at first as to the best 
site for the future settlement ; a part choosing the ele- 
vated plateau one mile and a half east of Clinton, and 
others preferring the present site of the village, and 
neither party inclined to yield to the wishes of the other. 
Committees were appointed on both sides, who met Re- 
negotiation on the banks of a small stream midway 
between the two localities, but separated without com- 
ing to any satisfactory conclusion. Another set of dele- 
gates was appointed, by whom at length the eastern 



22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

party was induced to join the western. This happy re- 
sult was due in no small degree to the tact and persua- 
sive powers of Moses Foot. 

I have said that the settlement was begun by " seven 
or eight families." There are two historic doubts 
involved in this subject : the one as to whether those 
original families were seven or eight in number, and the 
other as to the names of those families. After much 
inquiry, I feel confident that the number was eight, 1 
and that their names were the following : Moses Foot, 
his three sons, Bronson, Luther, and Ira, his son-in- 
law Barnabas Pond, James Bronson, Ludim Blodgett, 
and Levi Sherman. As to the five first named there is 
no question, but some would substitute Solomon Hovey 
in place of one of the last two. This at least is certain, 
that the wife of Mr. Hovey was the first white woman 
who stood upon this soil. 

Moses Foot, as has already been intimated, was the 
acknowledged leader of this enterprise. And he was 
well fitted for his position. Endowed with an iron frame 
and great nervous force, he had also a temperament which 
adapted him to endure privation and to control and sus- 
tain others amid the vicissitudes of pioneer life. His 
companions, too, were charged with Yankee pluck, inge- 
nuity and perseverance ; and so the little colony started 
into being and form with good prospects of success. 

If there is some reasonable doubt as to the names of 
some of the settlers who came here the first week in 
March, it is after all a matter of little consequence. For, 
during this very month and in April, other men as good 
and true followed in their steps, so that in early summer 

1 See Records of the Congregational Church in Clinton, page 3, at top, dated 
November 17, 1788. Also, Thanksgiving Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Norton, p. 12. 



HOUSES OF THE FIRST SETTLERS. 23 

the settlement contained thirteen families, and before 
winter it numbered about twenty households. During 
this first year, we find the following names : John 
Bullen, Salmon Butler, James Cassety (for whom 
Cassety-Hollow was afterwards named), William Cook, 
Samuel Hubbard, Noah Hubbard, Amos Kellogg, Aaron 
Kellogg, Oliver Porter, Randall Lewis, Cordial Storrs, 
Caleb Merrill, Levi Sherman, and Judah Stebbins. 

And in what sort of habitations did these first families 
live ? The building of greatest pretension was the log- 
house of Ludim Blodgett, which, having begun the fall 
previous, he now finished. It was roofed over with elm- 
bark, but was destitute of floor, windows and doors. 
The houses of the other settlers were at first mere huts 
made of crotched stakes driven into the ground, with poles 
laid from crotch to crotch, and then sided and roofed over 
with strips of bark. These certainly were rude accom- 
modations, but the settlers cheerfully submitted to them. 1 
Judge Jones mentions that Solomon Hovey, who seems 
to have been rather luxurious in his tastes, made some 
special provision for bestowing the table-furniture and 
wardrobe of his wife. " He felled a large, hollow bass- 
wood tree, which grew a few feet west of the present 
Banking-House in Clinton, and, cutting off a piece of the 
proper length, split and hewed off one of its sides : this, 
raised upon end, with a number of shelves fitted into 
it, was found admirably contrived for a pantry, cupboard, 
and clothes-press." 

The nucleus of the settlement was formed on a street 

i Mrs. Amos Kellogg relates that on the day of her arrival here, in the 
winter of 1788, her husband was obliged to shovel the snow out of their log- 
house before they could take possession for the night. This house had been 
built by her husband several months before. It stood on the site now occu- 
pied by the house of Mr. J. N. Percival, on Fountain Street. 



24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

laid out north and south, and which extended from the 
house now owned by Marshall W. Barker, to the house 
of Seth K. Blair. Two acres of land were assigned to 
each family on this street for a building-site. In the 
course of a year, eight additional acres were set apart 
to each family adjoining the two acre lots first named. 
Having built their first rude huts, suitable for temporary 
use, the settlers commenced clearing a portion of their 
lands, and providing for raising their first crops of vege- 
tables and Indian corn. While these crops were grow- 
ing, they took time to select a name for their infant 
village, and finally fixed upon that of Clinton, in honor 
of George Clinton, then Governor of the State. It is 
worthy of mention, also, that Governor Clinton was at 
this time a joint-owner with General Washington of 
several tracts of land in this county, and of a few within 
the limits of this town. Upon this fact in our history 
Judge Jones observes : " Lot No. 14, in the fifth grand 
division of Coxe's borough, of 316 acres, and composing 
the farm of the late Nathaniel Griffin (now John Bar- 
ker's) of this town, was held by a deed directly from 
President Washington and Governor Clinton. This deed 
was witnessed by Tobias Lear and De Witt Clinton. 
Within five years past, one thousand acres of the Mount 
Vernon estate have been sold at $25.00 per acre. Wash- 
ington could have hardly anticipated that these cheap, 
wild lands in the vicinity of the Oneidas would, within 
half a century, readily sell for twice or three times as 
much per acre as his beloved Mount Vernon." 1 

Our first settlers easily foresaw that if corn were to 
be grown for eating, some provision must be made for 
grinding it. But as yet there was no grist-mill in the 

i Annals, p. 168. . 



FIRST GRIST-MILL. 25 

settlement. One had been built the year before at 
Whitestown, by Judge White and Amos Wetmore 
(and which is still known as Wetmore's mill), and it 
was here that our pioneers carried their first sacks of 
grain. The first fe-\v trips were tedious enough ; for the 
road was only a narrow Indian trail, through woods and 
swamps : and, in the lack of horses, the corn had to be 
carried on the backs of men. Wearisome, indeed, it 
must have been, but they were stimulated by the still 
greater pluck of their Whitestown neighbors, who for two 
years before had carried their grain on foot and on horse- 
back to a mill at Palatine, a distance of about forty 
miles ! During the summer of 1787, the Clinton settlers 
joined their forces and opened a road-way to Whites- 
town, and as soon as it was finished, Samuel Hubbard 
drove an ox-team to the mill and brought back six bushels 
of Indian meal. 

But our people were not content with this privilege 
six miles away ; and accordingly, before winter set in, 
Captain Cassety built a small grist-mill on the east side 
of the Oriskany Creek, near the site of the present bridge 
on College Street. To signalize the opening of the new 
mill for business, Samuel Hubbard, Ludim Blodgett, and 
Salmon Butler each shelled a peck of new corn, and 
sportively cast lots to determine which should carry 
the joint grist to mill. The lot fell upon Mr. Hubbard, 
who slung it upon his back and marched off with it to 
Captain Cassety's. This being the first grist to pass 
through the hopper, custom decreed that it should be 
ground free of toll. It is worthy of note that this was 
the first mill built west of German Flats, except the 
Wetmore mill. This erection was followed the same 
year or the next by that of a saw-mill a few rods above, 
on the same dam. 



26 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 

These early settlers, though not all of them professedly 
pious men, respected the institutions of religion, and 
desired to establish and maintain them in their new 
home. Accordingly, on Sunday the 8th of April, 1787, 
the inhabitants assembled for public religious worship. 
The services were held in an unfinished house of Cap- 
tain Moses Foot, a building belonging to no recog- 
nized order of ecclesiastical architecture, it being simply 
an enclosure of logs, " without floor, chinking, or roof." 
This building stood upon the ground now occupied by the 
hardware store of A. N. Owston. The exercises were 
opened with prayer by Mr. Foot. Barnabas Pond, Bron- 
son Foot, and Ludim Blodgett conducted the singing, and 
Mr. Caleb Merrill, living near what is now Middle Set- 
tlement, read a printed sermon. Religious meetings of 
this kind, and others less formal, continued to be held, 
with only occasional interruptions, until a church was 
regularly organized, and a minister installed over it. 

The first summer and autumn witnessed many changes 
in the new settlement, and much progress. It saw in- 
roads made upon the forests, and it saw fields of corn 
and pumpkins ripening under the propitious sun. It 
beheld new settlers arriving each month from New Eng- 
land, and casting in their lot with those who had pre- 
ceded them. The fathers tell us how pleasant it was to 
see new lights gleaming at night from new windows 
along the hillsides. They tell us how warmly the new- 
comers were welcomed, their families being treated with 
the best fare which could be set before them, and be- 
stowed at night in the cabins of their friends ; and how 
in the early morning all parties joined in felling trees, 
cutting them into suitable lengths, stripping the bark, 
piling the logs, covering the roofs, and escorting their 



MORE FIRST SETTLERS. 27 

guests into their new habitations before the going down 
of the sun. Nor do they fail to tell also of evenings spent 
in merry house-warmings, in making inquiries about old 
friends in New England, and in forming plans and 
projects for the future. Well does Judge Williams here 
observe : " What in March was a wilderness, gloomy, 
sad, and cheerless, in October began to seem like home ; 
and even with the child and the delicate woman, the 
longing for New England's rocky hills and happy villages 
had grown faint and almost vanished before the attrac- 
tions of this fertile land, and the mutual kindness and 
hospitality of these dwellers in the wilderness. I hazard 
nothing in saying that this place has known no days 
more delightful than its earliest." 1 

During the summer of 1788, about twenty new fami- 
lies were added to the original settlement, contributing 
much to the improvement of its society and to its financial 
prosperity. Among these we find the following names : 
Rev. Samuel Kirkland, George Langford, Timothy Tut- 
tle, Benjamin Pollard, Zadoch Loomis, Theodore Man- 
ross, Andrew Blanchard, Silas Austen, Joshua Morse, 
Elias Dewey, Joseph Gleason. 

When the lands now covered by this town were first 
selected by Captain Foot and his party, it was supposed 
that they had never been surveyed, and were not em- 
braced within the limits of any patent. They considered 
themselves " squatters," presuming that when the land 
came into market they could claim it by preemption 
right. What, then, was their surprise, on exploring and 
clearing up the forests, to find lines of marked trees ; and 
on further inquiry to learn that they had settled upon 
Coxe's patent, " a tract of land granted by the colony of 

Hist. Address, p. 8. 



28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

New York, May 30, 1770, to Daniel Coxe, William Coxe, 
Rebecca Coxe, and John Tabor Kempe and Grace his 
wife." Their settlement was found to be located on 
" the two thousand and sixteen acres tract," by which 
descriptive name it was long known to the older inhabit- 
ants and surveyors. This plot was bounded on the north 
by the farm now owned by Henry Gleason, on the 
east by David Pickett's, on the south by Seth K. Blair's, 
and on the west by the Oriskany Creek. On further 
search, it was found that this tract had already been 
divided into twenty lots of nearly equal size, and that the 
proprietors had offered it as a gift to any colony of twenty 
families who would take it up and occupy it as a perma- 
nent settlement. At once our settlers hoped that they 
might enjoy the benefit of this generous offer ; but the 
patentees, learning that their lands had already been oc- 
cupied in ignorance of their proposal, refused to make 
the gift, and required the squatters to buy the land at the 
rate of ten shillings an acre. Accordingly, in the summer 
of 1788, Captain Foot was sent to Philadelphia to pur- 
chase the whole tract on the best possible terms ; and 
eventually, the several lots were parceled out at cost 
among the different settlers. The triangular piece of 
land which afterwards became the site of the village was 
c ailed " the handkerchief lot," from its resemblance on the 
map to a half-handkerchief, and this was bought by Cap- 
tain Foot. 

While the affairs of the young community were pro- 
gressing thus happily, an incident occurred which filled 
all hearts with sadness. In the spring of 1788, Miss 
Merab Tuttle, daughter of Col. Timothy Tuttle, and 
about seventeen years of age, started, one afternoon, with 
Miss Anna Foot, daughter of Moses Foot, to make a 



THE FIRST DEATH. 29 

call at Mr. William Cook's, who lived in a log-house just 
beyond the west bank of the Oriskany. In girlish sport- 
iveness, they stopped on their way at Cassety's mill, and 
whitened their locks with mill-dust, in imitation of the 
French hair-powder then in fashion. On their return, 
they found the stream, swollen by the spring freshet, had 
risen above its usual height, and was dashing furiously 
down its channel. No bridge then spanned the creek at 
this place, nor indeed at any point from its source to its 
termination. The settlers had felled two trees across the 
stream just below the site of the present bridge, and it 
was on this narrow and slippery footing that the young 
ladies must cross. They hesitated, at first, and shrank 
back with fear, but Miss Foot, the more courageous of 
the two, led the way, and was followed by her companion. 
When about half-way across the creek, Miss Foot was 
startled by an exclamation of fright from her friend, and 
on looking back saw her reel and fall into the water and 
soon disappear. Miss Foot's loud cries for help quickly 
drew several persons to the spot. Mr. Cook, who was 
first on the ground, sprang into the creek, and nearly 
caught hold of the drowning girl's garments, when a 
sudden sway of the current bore her from his reach and 
his sight, under a pile of drift-wood. The news of this 
sad event soon spread through the little community, and 
all joined in the search for the lost child. Hooks made 
by the blacksmith and fastened to poles were used to drag 
the stream. The night was spent in fruitless search. In 
the morning the body was found on the shore of the 
creek about half a mile below, near the site of the pres- 
ent Clinton Factory. At the funeral, no clergyman be- 
ing present, prayer was offered by Captain Foot, and a 
sermon was read by Nehemiah Jones, the text being 



30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

taken from 1 Samuel xx. 3 : " There is but a step be- 
tween me and death." 

No piece of land having yet been selected for a public 
burial-place, her grave was first dug upon the Village 
Green ; but this being thought too wet, she was finally 
interred on her father's farm, in a field which afterward 
became the south part of the present " burying-ground." 
Her grave was dug by Barnabas Pond, and it is said on 
his own authority that he dug every grave in that burial- 
place until there had been over one hundred interments. 
There does not appear to be any record of the first desig- 
nation of this land for a public cemetery. Rev. Dr. 
Norton informed me, near the close of his life, that in the 
spring of 1796, Mr. Bartholomew Pond, who then owned 
what is now called the Royce farm, made a donation to 
" the Society of Clinton," of one acre of land "to be used 
as a burying-yard," which was accepted, and is the south- 
east portion of the present old cemetery. 

The second death in this little community was that of 
Thomas Fancher, Jr., who was killed by the falling of a 
tree, in 1791 ; the third was that of Mrs. Mercy Steb- 
bins, in 1792, who was the wife of Judah Stebbins, Jr., 
and the mother of the late James D. Stebbins. 

These early inhabitants were married and given in 
marriage, like their -fathers before them. For we read 
that in the second year of the town, Elias Dewey was 
wedded to Anna Foot, and Andrew Blanchard to Mary 
Cook. This Mr. Dewey built his house on the land now 
occupied by the residence of Hon. O. S. Williams. This 
year was signalized also by a public wedding, at which 
Roger Leverett was married to Miss Elizabeth Cheese- 
borough. The ceremony took place in a log-house which 
stood upon a knoll on the road to Utica, just east of Slo- 



A FAST HORSE! 31 

cum's bridge. Among the invited guests was Jason Par- 
ker, of Utica, afterwards widely known as a stage pro- 
prietor and mail contractor. We find record, also, of the 
marriage of William Stebbins and Lydia Branch, Novem- 
ber 25, 1790. In this case, the bans were solemnized by 
Rev. Samson Occum, the Indian minister. 

The year 1789 witnessed the arrival of many new set- 
tlers, among whom was Jesse Curtiss, whose long and 
useful life terminated within the memory of the present 
generation. In addition to Mr. Curtiss, we find the 
names of Timothy Pond, Eli Bristol, Joel Bristol, Jonah 
Sanford, Samuel Curtiss, John Curtiss, Ebenezer Butler, 
Theodore Gridley, Bartholomew Pond, Rufus Millard, 
William Marsh, and William Carpenter. 

There is a tradition of a horse being owned here at an 
early day, by Captain Foot, and of his being soon stolen 
by the Indians. But, this half-mythical beast aside, all 
sorts of team-work in the settlement had hitherto been 
done by oxen. During the third summer, a few horses 
began to appear, two of whom were owned respectively 
by William Carpenter and Nathan Marsh. It is doubt- 
ful whether history would have preserved the record of 
these animals had it not been for their singular display 
of bottom and speed on the road to Albany ; for it is 
credibly reported that their owners having set out on 
horseback for that city on a certain day, " Jesse Curtiss 
and Bartholomew Pond started on foot at the same time, 
and arrived at Albany some hours before them ! " 

The summer of 1789 witnessed a great scarcity of food 
in this region. Wheat flour — then a rare luxury — 
was exhausted. Corn-meal and the last year's supply 
of potatoes were gone, and the new crop was still grow- 
ing in the, field. Early in the spring, the stock of pota- 



32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

toes was so small that the eyes were cut out for planting, 
and the remainder preserved for the table. Animal food 
was equally scarce; for, to slaughter the few cattle which 
the inhabitants possessed would have entailed a loss such 
as they could have borne only in the last extremity. 
Money for buying food was also out of the question. All 
sorts of expedients were resorted to. Some persons 
scoured the woods for game, and for ground nuts and 
leeks ; the ' t Oriskany and adjoining streams were plied 
with fishing-rods, and the hunter who chanced to come 
upon a bear and her whelps, rejoiced as one who had 
found great spoil. But men engaged in tilling farms could 
ill afford to leave their fields for hunting and fishing ; 
and at best these resources were uncertain, and could last 
only a short time. All persons were put on short .allow- 
ance ; strong men denied themselves needful food, so that 
the weak and helpless might not suffer. When things 
had come to this pass, and famine stared them in the 
face, a small company of men started for Fort Plain, 
Montgomery County, to see whether supplies could not 
be obtained on some terms in that region. For it must 
be remembered that the settlements in the Mohawk 
Valley had hardly recovered from the depredations of 
hostile Indians during the Revolutionary War. Then, 
too, the whole annual produce of the country was quickly 
consumed by the emigrants pouring in from the East ; 
and, in the absence of railroads and canals, it was diffi- 
cult to transport hither grain and cattle from the older 
settlements. 

As illustrating the straits into which the people were 
sometimes thrown, it may be mentioned here, that a few 
years before, the scarcity of animal food became so great 
in the adjoining settlement of Whitestown, that the in- 



SCARCITY OF FOOD. 33 

habitants caught pigeons in the spring, and salted them 
down in barrels. This food answered in place of some- 
thing better ; and those who ate it were accustomed 
afterwards to tell their well-fed children that " though 
not so palatable as some delicacies which might be 
named, yet it tasted nearly as well as the salt that was 
put upon it, besides carrying the idea of being actual' 
meat victuals to boot." 1 

But to return to our story. The party sent to Fort 
Plain found there a farmer and miller by the name, of 
Isaac Paris, who listened favorably to their appeal. 
With a promptness and generosity wholly unexpected, he 
loaded a small flat-boat with flour and meal, and sent it 
up the Mohawk to the mouth of the Oriskany. Here 
it was met by a party of our settlers, who transhipped 
the precious cargo into a log canoe of their own make, 
and by means of paddles, ropes and setting-poles, worked 
it up the creek as far as the present Clinton Factory. 
From thence it was transported in carts to the village. 
The news of its arrival spread rejoicing through all hearts ; 
the very woods echoed with songs and shouts of gladness. 

This cargo of breadstuffs was not wholly a gift from 
Mr. Paris. The settlers had no silver and gold to offer 
him, but their forests abounded in ginseng, and this he 
was willing to accept in payment, the same to be deliv- 
ered the following autumn. This plant, which cultivation 
has nearly extirpated from our farm-lands, once grew here 
in abundance. The roots, gathered in bundles and dried, 
were shipped from our seaports to Europe, where they 
were long esteemed an antidote to the plague. 

The name of Paris was held in high regard, and when, 
in the year 1792, a new town, including Clinton, was set 

i Tracy, p. 36. 
3 



34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

off from Whitestown, the inhabitants called it Paris, in 
grateful honor of their benefactor. 

Notwithstanding this temporary scarcity of food, the 
settlement continued to grow. In this' year (1789) 
Colonel Timothy Tuttle built the first frame house, 
which still stands, and is the building lately used by Mr. 
Edward Alexander as an office at his coal-yard, on the 
Manchester road. The second frame building was put 
up this year, by Ebenezer Butler, Jr. ; it stood on the 
site of Mr. Asa Olmstead's present residence, and was 
kept as a store. The third was built in the fall by Jesse 
Curtiss. . The circumstances attending the sawing of his 
lumber are worthy of mention, as illustrating the energy 
of the man and the spirit of the times. I give the ac- 
count substantially in the words of Judge Williams: 
His logs had been hauled to the mill ready for sawing, 
when (it was in the latter part of October) the snow 
fell to the depth of nearly two feet, upon a bed of mud 
well nigh impassable. The weather soon became cold 
and inclement, and exceedingly unfavorable to all kinds 
of business. Mr. Curtiss, however, bent on putting up 
a house before Christmas, plodded his way to Captain 
Foot's saw-mill, where, for three days and two nights, 
without cessation, and without help, he continued to 
drive the mill and work off the lumber necessary for his 
house. On finishing his task, " his hands had become 
glazed as by fire, by the constant use of the frosty iron 
bars of the mill ; " yet he made little account of it, for he 
was soon enabled to accomplish his purpose of erecting 
and enclosing a house before the final setting in of winter. 
This building is now a shed in the rear of his youngest 
son's barn, and every timber in it seems to cry out, — 
" To what base uses we may return, Horatio ! " 



THE FIRST BIRTH. 35 

Frame barns were also put up this year, — one by 
Judah Stebbins on the farm now owned by John Elliott, 
and another on the Kellogg property east of the village. 

Immigration continued steadily to increase the popula- 
tion and resources of the town, so that before the year 
1793 most of the land within two miles from the centre 
of the village, and some beyond that distance, had been 
parceled off into farms, and sold to actual settlers. 
Among the new-comers of 1792 was Thomas Hart, a 
man of great natural force, and some of whose descend- 
ants afterwards became distinguished in other parts of 
the State. Nor should we omit to mention, as one evi- 
dence of the prosperity of our settlement, that children 
were born unto it. The first was Clinton Foot, son of 
Luther Foot, who died before reaching manhood. The 
second born was Fanny Kellogg, daughter of Amos Kel- 
logg, and afterwards the wife of Orrin Gridley. The 
third was Julius Pond, born July 26, 1789, and the 
fourth was James D. Stebbins, born September 11th of 
the same year, and whose death has but recently trans- 
pired. 

We have now reached a period of great interest in our 
narrative. The years next to come include the history 
of the formation of the Congregational church in this 
town, the installation of its first pastor, the Rev. Dr. 
Norton, and the building of its first house of worship ; 
they take us to the founding of Hamilton Oneida Acad- 
emy, and Hamilton College ; they introduce us to Sam- 
uel Kirkland, Azel Backus, and other men of like mind, 
who were engaged here in laying the foundations of 
things to come. But these topics, so inviting, must be 
postponed to future chapters. 



CHAPTER II. 

Before proceeding with the regular course of this 
history, I propose to turn aside briefly and gather up a 
few miscellaneous facts which could not well be woven 
into the previous narrative. 

The Oneida, Stockbridge, and Brothertown Indians 
were familiar visitors in this region, whether on hunting 
and fishing excursions, or in pursuing that easy-going, 
vagabond life which became them. Mrs. Amos Kellogg 
used to relate that she was often waked from sleep at 
night by the tramping and whooping of large bands of 
Indians returning from the chase or other expeditions. 
Whether they meant it as a sort of calathumpian exer- 
cise, to discipline the nerves of their white neighbors ; or 
whether, being intoxicated, they little knew or cared how 
much disturbance they made, she could not tell ; but she 
was very sure that such demoniacal bowlings did not 
promote sound sleep in her cabin. She also related that 
often when alone in her house, engaged in domestic 
duties, perhaps with a child in the cradle, Indians would 
open her door without knocking, and steal in softly with 
moccasined feet, unperceived, and, tapping her on the 
shoulder, say with deep, guttural voice, " Indian want 
'tater ; Indian hungry ; me want 'tater." Trembling with 
fear, yet feigning unconcern, she uniformly gave them 
what they desired, and they soon left her without moles- 
tation. Sometimes it would be a squaw, with sad face and 
mournful voice, drawing her blanket about her shoulders, 



HABITS OF THE INDIANS. 37 

and whining, " Me hungry ; senape (her husband) gone, 
pappoose dead ; me hungry ! " 

Mrs. Eli Lucas remembers that roving bands of In- 
dians, both Oneidas and Stockbridges, used to come to 
her father's house just at evening, and beg permission 
to stay over night. Leave being granted, if none were 
intoxicated, they stretched themselves on the kitchen 
floor, with their feet to the fire of huge logs, and so, after 
crooning awhile to one another, they fell asleep. At 
daybreak,, they rose and silently left the house, seldom 
purloining anything from their host. 

Rev. Dr. Lothrop, in his Memoir of Rev. Samuel 
Kirkland, relates that Mr. Kirkland's house in Clinton 
" was the constant resort of Indians from all the Six 
Nations in their wanderings to and fro, and particularly 
of those on the territory of the Oneidas, and in his im- 
mediate neighborhood. They were continually coming 
to him for assistance or advice in things temporal and 
spiritual ; and when they came they expected to be en- 
tertained. Fond of nocturnal conferences, they com- 
monly arranged it so as to pass the night at or near his 
house, and supper and breakfast had to be provided for 
them. It was no unusual thing for him to .furnish 
seventy, eighty, and sometimes one hundred meals to 
Indians in the course of a single week." It is also said 
that when any of the Indians came to Mr. Kirkland's 
house drunk, he locked them up in his corn-house until 
they became sober. 

Several of the Stockbridge tribe were quite conspicuous 
in these parts for a season, of whom I cannot speak 
particularly. Among these were John Quinney and his 
brother Joseph, John Metoxin, Captain Hendricks and his 
strong-minded and most excellent wife Lydia, Mary Dox- 



38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

tator and John Kunkerpot. This John Kunkerpot when 
a boy spent some time at Dartmouth College, and on 
returning to his own people bade fair to become a prom- 
inent and useful man. In a few years, however, the influ- 
uence of blood and national habit began to tell upon him, 
and he became indolent and vicious. My venerable 
friend Gaius Butler says of him, " I remember John 
Kunkerpot well. He was oftener drunk than sober, yet 
he was witty and keen in repartee. When one of our cit- 
izens bantered him about the black mark put upon Cain, 
he replied, ' P'raps it was a ivhite mark ! '" 1 

"While Hamilton Oneida Academy was in process of 
erection, Mr. Kirkland brought five Indian boys from 
Oneida to his own house in Clinton, to prepare them for 
entering the Academy when it should open its doors. 
They were taught in a log school-house on the knoll 
directly in front of the Lucas place. One of these boys 
was David Cusick, who afterwards became somewhat 
distinguished. He was quite playful and quick-witted. 
One day, as Mr. Kirkland was teaching him the Cate- 
chism, to the question, " Who made man ? " he replied, 
" God." " And who made woman ? " " God." " And 
lioio did He make woman ? " "Out of old husks, I 
guess ! " 

That the Indian character possessed many excellent 

"iv 1 It is often said that the Indian mind is wholly lacking in the sense of humor. 
When a missionary, named Cram, once visited the Senecas on their Reservation 
in western Xew York, and asked permission to introduce Christianity among 
them. Red Jacket, one of their chiefs, replied confessing that the religion they 
already had did not make his people very good, and that he would be glad of 
another if it would certainly do the work. To test the power of Cram's religion, 
therefore, he recommended that he should first go over to the village of Buffalo, 
and try it for a few months upon the whites. If it made them honest and vera- 
cious and kind, he might bring it to the Reservation, and the Senecas would 
accept it. History is silent as to whether the missionary's success warranted his 
return to the Indians. 



STORY OF " THE FINE FAT STEER." 39 

traits none will deny ; yet it was also marred by weak- 
nesses, vices and crimes. As illustrating the thieving 
propensities of the natives of this region, I will refer 
my readers to the story of " the fine, fat steer, 1 ' as told 
by Hon. Pomroy Jones, with full detail, pp. 873 to 879, 
of his " Annals." Judge Williams relates the same in 
fewer words, and I will enrich my pages with his narra- 
tive. The story is familiar to the old inhabitants of this 
region, and should be handed down to their children. 

" In 1787, Theodore Manross, who had commenced a 
clearing on the farm for many years occupied by Jesse 
Wood, about a mile south of Clinton, missed from his 
herd a fine, fat steer. Suspicion soon fell upon a party 
of Oneidas who, led by a chief called Beechtree, had for 
some days been encamped on the hill south of him, and 
were digging ginseng in the vicinity ; search was made, 
their encampment was deserted, and the fresh offals of 
the animal were found near by, secreted. 

" A party of ten or twelve active and resolute young 
men was soon formed. Moses Foot was their captain, 
and among the company were Jesse Curtiss, Levi Barker, 
and several other familiar names. 

" The Indian trail was fresh, and their path through 
the nettles and undergrowth was as plain to the sharp 
eyes of the eager pursuers as a beaten track to the 
traveller. They followed them to Paris Hill, then to 
the Sauquoit Creek, a little north of the present village, 
and thence down the stream. As they came near New 
Hartford, the track was so fresh that it was manifest 
they were close upon the Indians. Soon they spied them 
marching single file, and, taking a little circuit, they 
came into the path before them, and turning towards 
them, met them face to face. 



40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

" ' Stop ! ' said Captain Foot, to Beechtree, their 
leader ; ' you have stolen and killed the white man's 
steer.' ' Indian has not killed the white man's steer,' 
replied Beechtree, leaping forward and drawing from his 
belt his long hunting-knife. Quick as thought, Captain 
Foot raised a heavy cane and brought it down with con- 
vincing force upon the naked head of Beechtree. He 
winced, and settled down beneath the powerful blow : it 
was enough, the party surrendered, and on search being 
made, the hide and bell of the missing animal were found 
in the pack of one of the Indians, who bore the expressive 
cognomen of Saucy Nick. 

" This was pretty good proof. As the modem and 
fashionable defenses of sleep-walking, insanity, and the 
like were not known to these untutored wild ones, they 
frankly confessed the deed. The prisoners were marched 
back in a body, and forthwith were confined and guarded 
in the house of Col. Timothy Tuttle, standing on the 
site of the present Royce mansion. Mr. Kirkland was 
immediately sent for, and by permission of the guard they 
sent a swift messenger to Oneida to summon their friends 
and chiefs to their assistance, sending a message to them 
at the same time to drive over a certain cow as a means 
of settlement for the wrong committed. 

" Before the morning sun had risen high, their friends 
appeared, led by the wise and venerable Skenandoa, 
The negotiation was carried on in the house of Mr. 
Tuttle, mainly between Captain Foot and Skenandoa, 
Mr. Kirkland acting as interpreter. And finally it was 
agreed that the Indians should give the cow which had 
been driven from Oneida, to Mr. Manross, to make him 
good, and the ginseng which they had dug, to the party 
of young men who had pursued them, to pay them for 



"SAUCY NICK." 41 

their time and trouble. The whole matter was concluded 
before noon, and this resolute conduct of the settlers 
entirely prevented the recurrence of similar aggressions. 

" Saucy Nick was alone sullen and revengeful. The 
theft was more especially charged to and proved upon 
him ; and on the march from New Hartford to Clinton, 
he had had a bitter wrangle with one Lemuel Cook, who, 
if all accounts are true, was as much entitled to the appel- 
lation of ' saucy,' as Nick himseK. His abusive speech 
had sunk deep into the Indian's memory, and his ardent 
longing was for revenge and blood. Soon after, he un- 
successfully attempted to kill Cook at Fort Schuyler, and, 
the next season, as Cook was ploughing on his farm (now 
owned by Mrs. Luther Comstock), an Indian arrow 
whistled swiftly past his ear. The hand that sent it, 
though unseen, could not be mistaken, and Cook, warned 
of his danger, soon sold his farm and returned to Con- 
necticut." 1 

From all accounts, it is evident that Saucy Nick and 
his family were of bad blood. They were noted among 
the Oneidas for their great physical strength and their 
cruel dispositions and ferocious temper. It was one of 
this evil race who sought Rev. Mr. Kirkland's life at 
Oneida, before the Revolution, and from whose bloody 
hands he was saved by being concealed in a chest of 
drawers. It is also supposed that this man was the 
original after whom the novelist Cooper drew the charac- 
ter of Wyandotte, in his " Hutted Knoll." 

An incident less commonly known than the foregoing, 



1 Lecture, p. 26. Mr. Cook finally died at the house of his son, in Clarendon, 
N. Y., May 21, 1869, aged one hundred and four years. Five generations of his 
descendants were present at his funeral. He was to the last a great story-teller, 
and one of his favorites was that of " The fine fat steer and Saucy Nick." 



42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

•and exhibiting the brutal character of the Indians, may- 
be found in the early life of Heinrich Staring, who 
afterwards became first judge of Herkimer County. 

One day, late in the month of November, 1778, while 
in the woods near Herkimer, he fell in with a strolling 
party of Oneida Indians, who seized him and marched 
him off in the direction of Clinton, stopping for the night 
a few miles south of this village, in what is now Deans- 
ville. Here they took possession of a small uninhabited 
wigwam, on the eastern bank of the Oriskany Creek 
This wigwam was made of logs, and consisted of two 
rooms, separated by a log partition. Into the larger of 
these rooms the outside door opened, and was the only 
entrance to the building. There was also a door in the 
partition between the two rooms. In the small room 
there was a little window six feet above the floor. The 
Indians brought their captive into this room, where they 
supposed he could be kept safe until morning. To make 
the matter sure, they bound his hands behind his back 
with withes, and fastened his ankles together in the same 
way, and then laid him on the ground. Then they built 
a fire in the other room, and sat down to consult what 
final disposition should be made of him. That he should 
be put to death they were all agreed : the only point of 
deliberation was, how to do this so as to afford them the 
Greatest entertainment. The conclusion was that he 
should be burned alive the next morning before a slow 
fire. During their conference, Staring began to contrive 
some method of escape-; and before they had finished 
their talk, he had loosened one of the withes from his 
arm so that he could draw it out at pleasure. This 
accomplished, he knew that the rest would be an easy 
matter. He then slipped his hand back into its place, 



CASE OF HEINRICH STARING. 48 

and feigned sleep ; and when the Indians came in soon 
after to examine him and found all safe, they retired, 
whispering to each other with fiendish exultation that he 
was sleeping for the last time. They then stretched 
themselves before the fire, and soon fell into a profound 
slumber. 

When they had been a long time quiet, Staring slipped 
his hand from the withes, unfettered his ankles, cautiously 
climbed up the logs on the side of the room, and leaped 
from the window without alarming his keepers. To re- 
move his ankles from the withes, he had been obliged to 
take off his shoes ; and in the haste of escaping, he had 
forgotten to bring them with him. So now, though out- 
side of the hut, he was barefoot in a frosty night, twenty 
miles from home, without guide or path, and a pack of 
blood-thirsty savages intent on killing him. But escape 
seemed possible, and so, hastening noiselessly to the bank 
of the creek, he began to follow its course down stream. 
He had gone only a few miles, when the whoop of the 
Indians and the bark of their dogs fell on his ear. To 
throw the dogs off their scent, he plunged into the water, 
and ran along the channel for some distance, and then 
crossed to the other side. Being a good runner, he out- 
stripped the Indians, and ere long had the satisfaction of 
finding that they had given up the pursuit. When he 
reached the path from Oneida to Fort Schuyler, which 
crossed the Oriskany Creek " about half a mile north- 
west of the present village of Clinton," he took this trail 
and followed it to the Mohawk Valley. On reaching 
Fort Schuyler, he found a canoe which had floated down 
the river, and lodged in some willow bushes near the 
landing. Taking possession of this, by a vigorous use of 
the paddles, aided by the current, he soon reached home. 1 

1 See Tracy's Lecture, p. 24. 



44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

It is an old saying that the Indian never forgets a favor 
nor forgives an injury. Judge Jones relates a story 
which does not confirm this opinion. His account, much 
condensed, runs thus : A young Oneida chief called with 
his wife one day at the tavern of Barnabas Pond, in 
Clinton, and asked for rum. Mr. Pond replied that he 
never sold it to Indians intoxicated, but as he appeared 
sober, he would let him have a little. After dividing his 
dram with his wife, he went away. 

In the afternoon they returned, and five other Indians 
with them. The young chief was now excited with 
liquor. As he stepped up to the bar and demanded a half- 
pint of rum, Major Pond repeated what he had said in 
the morning, and refused to sell him any strong drink. 
" But I want to treat my friends," said the chief, " and 
will not taste a drop myself : " at the same time he 
showed a piece of silver coin which he had tied up in his 
handkerchief. Major Pond then let him have the rum, 
and, true to his word, he gave it to his companions. Just 
as they were leaving the inn, Major Pond reminded the 
chief that he had not paid for his liquor. " Haven't got 
no money, and can't pay for it." "Not so," said the 
major ; " you showed me money before you had the rum, 
and now you have lied about it." " What ! you say I 
lie ! " shouted the angry savage, and bounded toward the 
major with his drawn knife. Major Pond, a strong and 
courageous man, struck the uplifted arm of the Indian 
between the elbow and shoulder, causing the knife to fly 
out of his hand, then gave him a blow across the throat, 
and at the same time tripped up his feet and brought him 
to the floor. To use the major's figure in relating it, 
" He fell like an ox knocked down in a slaughter-house." 
At first, he lay breathless, and Mr. Pond began to fear 



ELIJAH WAMPE. 45 

lie had dealt liim too hard a blow ; but shortly the Indian 
recovered his breath and rose to his feet. When fully 
restored, he threw his handkerchief to the major, who 
took out his pay, and returned the balance and the knife. 
The chief refused to take them, as did his wife likewise, 
and the whole party soon went away. 

Not many weeks afterward, the Indian came again, 
apologized to Mr. Pond, saying that he was a fool when 
drunk, that the major had treated him just as he de- 
served, and he hoped that they should continue to be 
good friends. Mr. Pond forgave him, and pledged his 
friendship, provided that the chief behaved well in future ; 
and then went and brought the handkerchief and knife to 
their owner. They were again refused on the ground 
that they had been forfeited by his misconduct. Here 
the matter ended ; the chief, who afterwards came often 
to Clinton, never showing any resentment towards Major 
Pond. 

Of the Brothertown tribe, several were noted in their 
day, though they are now nearly forgotten. Asa Dick 
and his brother Joseph were of the Narragansett stock, 
and were men of niucli intelligence. Our fathers speak 
also of David Fowler, Elijah Warupe, John Tuhi, and 
Dolphus Fowler, who came with others into the region 
of Deansville, before the Revolutionary War. On the 
breaking out of this war, as they maintained a friendly 
neutrality to the colonists, the largest portion returned to 
New England, because they feared the Iroquois, most of 
whom had sided with the English. A few, however, re- 
mained, spending a part of their time overseeing their 
property at Brothertown, and the rest of it at Fort Stan- 
wix. Elijah Wampe was one of these. One day, as he 
was going from the fort to Brothertown, and had pro- 



46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

ceeded only a few miles, a hostile Indian sprang out from 
an ambush and pointed his rifle at him. Wampe in- 
stantly sprang forward, knocked up the muzzle of the 
gun, sending the ball over his head, and then fell upon 
his adversary with his knife and soon dispatched him. 
Wampe, reflecting at once that the report of the Indian's 
rifle would soon draw his comrades to the spot, caught up 
the gun and bore it in triumph to the fort. 

After an interval, Wampe ventured to return to 
Brothertown, and for a year or more kept up a rude sort 
of tillage of his lands ; but he so often met with harsh 
usage from strolling bands of hostile Indians, — once, in- 
deed, barely escaping with his life, — that he finally con- 
cluded it was useless to attempt farming in war time, and 
was glad to take refuge under the protecting guns of 
Fort Stanwix. 1 

Our sketches of Indian life and character in this region 
thus far, have not reflected favorably upon the honesty 
or the humanity of the natives. But a somewhat differ- 
ent shade may be given to this picture before we finish it. 

Tradition relates that one Otatocheta, a chief of the 
Oneidas, aided in forming the confederacy of the Five 
Nations. The chief of the grand council addressed them 
at the close of the ceremonies thus : " And you, Oneidas, 
a people who recline your bodies against the Everlasting 
Stone that cannot be moved, shall be the Second Nation, 
because you give wise counsel." . . . 

Mention is also made of Atondutochan, a distinguished 
Oneida chief, who in the year 1655 visited Canada, and 
exerted a powerful influence among the Iroquois. 
•^Few persons in this country have not heard of Skenan- 
doa, the Oneida chief, equally famous among his own 

1 See Appendix B. 



SKENANDOA. 47 

people as warrior, statesman, and orator. He was born 
about the year 1706, though the place of his birth is not 
known, nor the events of his early life. It is generally 
admitted that in his young manhood he was fierce and 
revengeful in disposition, and intemperate in his habits. 
In the year 1755, while attending a council at Albany, he 
one night became intoxicated, and in the morning found 
himself stripped of his clothing and personal ornaments. 
The discovery filled him with such shame and mortifica- 
tion that he thereupon vowed never again to touch or 
taste the debasing fire-water, a vow which it is believed 
he religiously kept. In a speech made to his people late 
in life, he adjures them thus : " Drink no strong water. 
It makes you mice for white men, who are cats. Many a 
meal have they eaten of you." 

In person, he was tall and commanding, being more 
than six feet in height, and of goodly proportions. Ac- 
cording to Indian custom, he was tattooed in nine lines, 
running across the shoulders and chest. He had great 
strength and power of endurance. Even at eighty-five 
he was a match for any member of his tribe in feats of 
agility. Noble and dignified in address, he was also wise 
in counsel and eloquent in speech. Rev. Mr. Kirkland 
considered him as in all respects the most remarkable 
man of his acquaintance among the Iroquois. One of 
our local historians writes of him : " In his riper years, 
he was one of the noblest counselors among the North 
American tribes. He possessed a vigorous mind, and was 
alike sagacious, active, and persevering. As an enemy, 
he was terrible ; as a friend and ally he was gentle in 
disposition and bearing, and he was faithful to his en- 
gagements. His vigilance once preserved from massacre 
the inhabitants of the little settlement at German Flats, 



48 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND 

and in the Revolutionary War, his influence induced the 
Oneidas to declare in favor of the Americans." 1 

From his interest and sympathy with the colonists, and 
from his fidelity to his word, he was distinguished among 
the Indians as " The White Man's Friend." Not long 
after Mr. Kirkland's settlement among the Oneidas, 
Skenandoa professed his belief in Christianity ; and 
though he never became free from errors and imperfec- 
tions, in the judgment of charity he was a sincere and 
humble christian. 

In his old age he was blind, and he spoke English with 
little fluency ; yet such was his sagacity and intelligence, 
his decorum of manner and speech, that his society was 
much sought after. On one occasion late in life, he was 
visited by a party of young ladies escorted by a daughter 
of Mr. Kirkland. After a few words of courtesy, Skenan- 
doa asked, " Are these ladies married?" On being an- 
swered in the negative, he replied, " It is well, for there 
are many bad men." Miss Kirkland, who understood 
the ways of the old sagamore, afterwards remarked that 
if the reply had been in the affirmative, he would have 
rejoined politely, " It is well, if you have good hus- 
bands." To Prof. Seth Norton, who, in a similar con- 
versation confessed his old-bachelorhood, he replied, " It 
is well, for there are many bad women." 
, As to the precise time when the most remarkable 
speech of his life was made, authorities differ. Some 
maintain that it was delivered to his tribe at the time of 
a treaty made for the sale of some of their lands ; others 
that it was addressed to a company of white people who 
came to see him shortly before his death. But whenever 
uttered, it is worthy of all the encomiums that have been 

1 Jones, p. 866. 



DEATH OF SKENANDOA. 49 

bestowed upon it: "I am an aged hemlock. The winds 
of a hundred winters have whistled through my branches. 
I am dead at the top. The generation to which I be- 
longed have run away and left me. Why I live, the 
great Good Spirit only knows. Pray to my Jesus that I 
may have patience to wait for my appointed time to die." 

After Mr. Kirkland's removal to Clinton, Skenandoa 
often expressed the desire to be buried at his death by 
the side of his friend and teacher, so that " he might 
cling to the skirts of his garments, and go up with him 
at the great resurrection." In the later years of his life, 
he several times came to Clinton, hoping to die here. 
.During these visits to Mr. Kirkland he was treated with 
great consideration and kindness. Miss Eliza Kirkland 
(afterwards Mrs. Dr. Robinson) assumed special charge 
of him, taking care of his little bedroom, washing his 
face and hands, brushing his hair, and keeping his clothes 
whole and tidy. His last sickness, however, came upon 
him at Oneida Castle. As his end drew near, prayers 
were offered at his bedside by his great-granddaughter, 
and while the words were being uttered, he sank into 
the sleep of death, on the 11th of May, 1816, aged about 
one hundred and ten years. 

In accordance with a promise made by the family of 
Mr. Kirkland, his remains were brought to Clinton and 
interred by the side of his spiritual father. Funeral 
services were held in the Congregational church, and 
were largely attended by white people and Indians, many 
of the latter coming from Oneida for that purpose. An 
eye-witness (my mother) relates that the Indians, men 
and women, were seated in the middle pews of the 
church, and the whites in the other seats and in the 
galleries. Rev. Dr. Backus, President of Hamilton 



50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

College, made an address to the Indians, which Judge 
Amos Dean, standing beneath the pulpit, interpreted. 
The Indians rose to their feet during this address. If 
Indian stoicism forbade tears and loud lamentations, yet 
doubtless every heart mourned for the brave old chief 
with ingenuous sorrow. After prayer and the singing 
of appropriate hymns, the body was carried to the grave, 
the order of the procession being as follows : first, stu- 
dents of the college ; next, the hearse, followed by the 
Indians ; and behind these, Mrs. Kirkland and family, 
Judge Dean, Rev. Dr. Norton, Rev. Mr. Ayres, President 
Backus and other officers of the college, and citizens. 
The remains were borne to the garden of Mr. Kirkland, 
where they were buried according to his desire. In the 
year 1856, by authority of the trustees of the college, 
the body of Rev. Mr. Kirkland, together with those of his 
family and of Skenandoa, were disinterred and removed 
to the college cemetery. A memorial-stone was erected, 
many years ago, to the memory of the Indian chief. 
We rejoice to record that during the present year (1873) 
a suitable monument has been raised over the grave of 
the Indian missionary and the founder of Hamilton Col- 
lege. 1 

Another chief of the Oneidas, bearing the sobriquet 
of Plattkopf, though younger than Skenandoa and less 
influential as a counselor, was hardly less distinguished 
for his eloquence. Tradition has preserved the outlines 
of one of his addresses, which we give substantially in 
the words of one who heard it. It was made at a council, 
held several years after the Revolution, to consider the 
question of the sale of their reserved lands to the State. 
The council was held beneath a large pine-tree, known 

1 See Appendix C. 



PLATTKOPF. 51 

since as the Council Tree, which stood on the south side 
of the turnpike road, a short distance west of the village 
of Oneida. On the third day Plattkopf rose to speak. 
He descanted upon the numbers and strength of the 
Oneidas before the white man came. Pointing to the 
tree under which they stood, which though large was 
beginning to decay, he said : " We were once like this 
great pine-tree. It was then young and vigorous. It 
drew its nourishment from the soil, the whole ground, 
for the Oneidas then owned it all. And it grew larger 
and stronger and more beautiful every year. So did the 
Oneidas. At length the pale-faces came, and we sold 
them a part of our land. A root of the tree which grew 
in that land withered, for it had no soil. And the leaves 
and branches withered along with the root. Then other 
white men came, and we sold them another piece of land, 
and forthwith another root and branch died, and the tree 
lost more of its symmetry and beauty. The white man 
came still again, and the tree failed more and more. It 
now puts forth no new roots or branches, because it has so 
little land. And now the white man is here again. He 
wants more land, more land. He is hungry for land. 
Shall we let this grand old tree, under which our fathers 
sat, lose another and another root, and cause another 
branch to fall and die ? " 

The orator pursued his illustration still further, and 
applied it with so much ingenuity and force that the 
white man's overture was rejected, and, for the time 
being, the hunting-grounds of the Oneidas were no 
further reduced. That other counsels prevailed at a 
later day, we all very well know. 1 

1 Judge Jones wickedly surmises that Messrs. Dean and Kirkland kept these 
orators supplied with materials for their speeches! See Tracy's Lect., p. 8. 



52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

In September, 1799, Dr. Timothy Dwight, President 
of Yale College, accompanied by Tutor Jeremiah Day, 
started on a tour of observation through this State, in- 
tending to visit Niagara Falls and Buffalo. At Lairds- 
ville, in this county, they turned aside to visit Rev. Mr. 
Kirkland, missionary to the Oneidas. From Clinton the 
President writes : — 

" In the morning of September 26th, we made an ex- 
cursion to Brothertown, an Indian settlement in the town 
of Paris. I had a strong inclination to see Indian life in 
the most advanced state of civilization found in this 
country, and was informed that it might probably be 
found here. 

" Brothertown is a tract of land about six miles square, 
which was given to these Indians by the Oneidas. . . . 
Here forty families of these people have fixed themselves 
in the business of agriculture. They have cleared the 
land on both sides of the road, about a quarter of a mile 
in breadth, and about four miles in length. Three of 
them have framed houses ; the rest are of logs. Their 
husbandry is generally much inferior to that of the white 
people. 

" They are universally civil in their deportment. The 
men and boys took off their hats, and the girls courtesied 
as we passed by them. . . . These people receive an- 
nually $2160 from the State, out of which their school- 
master and their superintendent receive pay for their 
services. 

" At this season of the year they unite with the 
Oneidas in gathering ginseng, and collect a thousand 
bushels annually. It brings them two dollars a bushel. 
Most of it goes to Philadelphia, and thence to China. It 
is, however, an unprofitable business for the Indians. 



SAMSON OCCUM. 53 

They are paid for it in cash, which many of them employ 
as the means of intoxication. This is commonly followed 
by quarreling and sometimes by murder ; but much less 
commonly than among the Oneidas." 1 

Another aboriginal name worthy of special mention 
in this history is that of Samson Occum. He was born 
at Mohegan, near Norwich, Conn., in the year 1723. 
When quite young, he attended upon the ministrations of 
Rev. Mr. Jewett, of New London, at which time he be- 
came the subject of deep religious impressions, and made 
a public profession of his faith. He now desired to ob- 
tain an education, that he might become a teacher among 
his own people. Having learned to read, he entered 
Rev. Dr. Wheelock's school at New Lebanon, Conn., 
where he remained four years. In the year 1748, we 
find him the teacher of a school in New London ; and 
next he appears as master of an Indian school at Mon- 
tauk, where he remained ten or eleven years, greatly 
respected and beloved. 

It would seem that during his preceptorship he found 
time for theological studies, for it appears that before 
leaving Montauk he frequently officiated as a licensed 
preacher at Montauk, and among the Shinecock Indians, 
thirty miles distant. In August, 1759, he received ordi- 
nation from the Presbytery of Suffolk. 

Dr. Wheelock continued to feel a paternal interest in 
his dusky pupil and a pride in his success. Partly on 
this account, as well as to show the world what his school 
could do for the Indian, Occum was appointed to visit 
England, with Rev. Mr. Whittaker, of Norwich, to 
solicit aid for the seminary at Lebanon. His visit was 
quite successful. For, being the first Indian preacher 

1 Dwight's Travels, p. 182. 



54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

ever seen in a British pulpit, he attracted much atten- 
tion and was greeted with large audiences. During the 
year and a half which he spent in England, he preached 
upwards of three hundred sermons. George Whitefield 
invited him to officiate in his tabernacle in London. 
King's Chapel opened its doors to him, and, while minis- 
tering in that pulpit, George III. was one of his auditors. 
He not only gained personal and professional considera- 
tion, but received large* gifts in money, amounting to 
nearly ten thousand pounds. The king gave him a 
gold-mounted cane, which he carried, on great occa- 
sions, the rest of his life. His Majesty also presented 
him a library of books, and induced several of his nobles 
and many persons of wealth to become patrons of the 
Charity School. 

The attentions which he received abroad did not spoil 
him for humbler work at home. On his return, he engaged 
in missionary labors among his people at Montauk and 
at other stations quite distant. In the year 1786, he 
united with others in effecting the removal of several 
broken and dismembered tribes of New England to 
central New York. He took with him one hundred and 
ninety-two Montauks and Shinecocks from Long Island, 
several Mohegans from Connecticut, and a number of 
Narragan setts from Rhode Island. These, as well as a 
few representatives of some other half-decayed tribes, he 
collected together on the banks of our Oriskany, within 
the borders of this town and the town of Marshall. 

Established in his new field, he addressed himself to 
his chosen work with much assiduity. He labored not 
only among his own people, but among the neighboring 
Stockbridges, under the ministerial charge "of Rev. Mr. 
Sergeant. Between him and Mr. Kirkland, also, there 



GOOD PETER. 55 

grew up a warm friendship. He enjoyed the respect and 
confidence of the white settlers in this region, being called 
upon by them frequently to celebrate marriages and 
attend funerals and preach sermons. He wrote an ac- 
count of the Montauk Indians which is still preserved. 
A discourse delivered by him at the execution of Moses 
Paul, an Indian, was published at New Haven, Conn., 
September 2, 1772. On which of our hillsides he com- 
posed the hymn beginning, — . 

" Awaked by Sinai's awful sound," 

we do not know, but that it will long be sung on many 
a hillside is evinced by its adoption into nearly all our 
standard books for Sabbath worship. Dr. Timothy 
Dwight says of him : " I heard Mr. Occum twice. His 
sermons, though not proofs of superior talents, were 
decent, and his utterance was in some degree eloquent." 
He was no ordinary man, and, considering his origin and 
his opportunities for improvement, his attainments were 
respectable. Pleasing in his manners and address, his 
life exemplified the spirit of the gospel. Even to this 
day, the name of " Priest Occum " is revered by the 
descendants of all who knew him. He died at New 
Stockbridge, New York, July, 1792, aged sixty-nine 
years. 

If the limits of this chapter permitted, I should like 
to introduce here a sketch of the Oneida chief, Good 
Peter, a convert to Christianity under the labors of Mr. 
Kirkland. It is related of him that upon a certain Sun- 
day, when Mr. Kirkland was too unwell to proceed with 
his sermon, he asked Good Peter to speak a few words 
of exhortation. Peter arose, and with much modesty 
began to address his countrymen upon the great good- 



56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

ness and mercy of God in sending his only Son to take 
upon Himself the form of sinful men, and to suffer and 
die for their redemption. After depicting the human 
life and character of Christ in various aspects, he said : 
" And yet He was the great God who created all things. 
He walked on earth with men, and had the form of a 
man, but He was all the while the same Great Spirit ; 
He had only thrown his blanket around Him.'''' 

In his address to the New York Historical Society in 
1811, De Witt Clinton asserted that "one may search 
in vain in the records and writings of the past, or in the 
events of the present times, for a single model of elo- 
quence among the Algonquins, the Abenaquis, the Dela- 
wares, the Shawanese, or any other nations of Indians 
except the Iroquois." We will not assume to affirm or 
deny the truth of this statement, but surely the brief 
specimens we have been able to give Avill show that the 
Iroquois of this region were not lacking in eloquence, 
and that for this, as well as for their bravery, they have 
been well styled " the Romans of North America." 

Without dwelling longer upon incidents connected 
with the history of the aborigines in this town and its 
vicinity, I pass to mention a few other items of general 
interest to the inhabitants of Kirkland. 

When the first settlers on Dean's patent (embracing 
the present town of Westmoreland) heard of the arrival 
of the emigrants at Clinton, they started out to find 
them. They knew only that their new neighbors were 
several miles south upon the Oriskany, above an Indian 
clearing on the site of the present village of Manchester. 
They took the Indian trail, — which was also the army- 
trail of General Armstrong in the French War, — crossed 
the creek at the clearing, and took a southerly course up 



BEARS IN THE CORNFIELDS. 57 

the valley. When about a quarter of a mile this side 
of Manchester, they fell in with a number of cows graz- 
ing on the wild vegetation of the woods. One of the 
cows wore a bell. Mr. Joseph Blackmer, a leading man 
in this party, full of frolic, raised his coat-tails above his 
head, shook his hat, and made a succession of such 
hideous noises that the frightened cows started for home 
on a run, and thus showed the company the way to the 
settlement at Clinton. Many and hearty were the greet- 
ings between the new neighbors ; and the good- will which 
then sprang up continued to grow and flourish ever after- 
ward. 

It is often related by our older inhabitants that bears 
were very annoying to the first settlers, destroying their 
young pigs, and trampling down and devouring their 
half-ripened corn. There is a tradition of a farmer in a 
neighboring settlement who, while feeding his drove of 
swine, discovered that Bruin had covertly joined himself 
to the flock, and that when the hogs perceived it, with 
porcine instinct they straightway formed themselves into 
a circle, with noses outward, and thus made a sharp and 
decisive resistance until the farmer's gun came to their 
relief and dispatched the intruder. Judge Williams 
records that in the fall of 1790, " as Mr. Jesse Curtiss 
and three or four others were returning from meeting one 
Sunday afternoon, — their path lying through a field near 
the house now occupied by Mr. Gunn, — they heard an 
unusual rustling in the corn ; and on searching for the 
cause, soon discovered two bear-cubs busily engaged in 
breaking down and destroying the ripening corn. Forth, 
with they set upon them, and, despite their grunts and 
cries, by dint of kicks and blows, soon dispatched them. 
The same afternoon, Mr. Bronson (who lived in the 



58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

house now occupied by Samuel Brownell), on returning 
from meeting, found the old mother-bear sitting quietly 
on the steps of his door, little dreaming of the sad 
calamity which had even then overtaken her children." 
The streets and cross-roads of the town were early 
designated by names. The street leading past the home- 
stead of the late James D. Stebbins was called Brimfield 
Street, because it was wholly settled by inhabitants from 
Brimfield, Mass. The present borough of Franklin 
was long styled Sodom, though we never knew that 
it was noted for its depravity. Post Street, running 
southeast from Franklin, was so called from Darius Post 
and his three sons, Titus, Ethan, and Darius Post, Jr., 
who came from Vermont at an early day, and settled on 
adjoining farms in that district. The street leading to 
Utica once rejoiced in the name of Toggletown, because 
the roadside fences were once "toggled " together at the 
end of each section. That portion of the toAvn which 
lies between one and two miles east of Clinton, hns long 
been christened Chuckery. Judge Williams says, " The 
story goes that in Massachusetts, according to established 
custom, the governor's proclamation for Thanksgiving 
was read in all the churches. Then, as now, he called 
upon the people to render a tribute of gratitude for the 
blessings of Providence upon their farms, their fisheries 
and their merchandise. In Egremont, some mischievous 
wag, possessing himself of the copy of the proclamation 
which the clergyman had prepared to read to his congre- 
gation the next Sabbath, changed the word fisheries to 
chuekeHes, and so the unsuspecting pastor read it, to the 
no small edification .of his audience ! Soon after this, 
a company of colonists from Egremont came westward, 
and settling on the hill east of this village, gave this odd 



THE FIRST BURGLARY. 59 

name to their resting-place." But the joke did hot end 
here. For a colony of Kirkland people who removed, 
many years ago, to the town of Fenner, in Madison 
County, dubbed their little settlement New Chuckery. 
Modern degeneracy has since corrupted it into Perry- 
ville. 

And now that we are in the story-telling vein, let us 
record the first burglary known to have occurred in this 
town. Judge Jones is my authority. It was in the 
year 1801, when Ephraim Hart, one of the early mer- 
chants of this town, and whose store stood on the site 
now occupied for the same purpose by James Cook, had 
collected about $1800 in silver coin, with which he 
expected soon to start for New York to purchase goods. 
One Samuel MacBride, an Irishman, learning of this 
treasure, broke into the store by night and carried it off. 
It would seem that he had not laid his plans very 
adroitly, for within twenty-four hours he was captured 
and brought back to Clinton with all his booty. While 
lying in confinement awaiting his trial, he managed to 
escape, and took to the woods. Steering northward, he 
found, near what is now Middle Settlement, a hollow 
stump about ten feet high, into which he climbed, and 
let himself down, intending to remain there the next day, 
and at night start anew on his travels. When night came, 
he found that the inner sides of the stump were so smooth 
that it was exceedingly difficult to climb them. He tried 
repeatedly, but in vain, and had well nigh concluded that 
he must he there and die of starvation. Just at day- 
break, he made another despairing effort, and, as St. 
Patrick would have it, he reached the top ! The world 
was all before him where to choose. Down he 'leaped 
from his covert, and bounded like a deer for the forest, 



60 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

but had run only a few rods, when an officer of justice 
sprang upon him and took him prisoner. He was sen- 
tenced to the States Prison for fourteen years. This was 
an event of no great consequence, surely, but in those 
early times, it produced a sensation in the quiet little 
town of Kirkland. 

We were just about closing this chapter of events not 
unmixed with romance and adventure, when we caught 
sight of flowers. It was " Squire Foot's flower-bed," so 
called, a large border of cultivated ground on the south 
side of his house, which stood on the north side of College 
Street at its junction with the village Park. The stern- 
faced Puritan, who had fought in the battles of the Revo- 
lution and afterwards led a company of pioneers into this 
wilderness, had brought with him to Clinton some pack- 
ages of flower-seeds and a few perennial plants and shrubs, 
with which he sought to grace the patch of soil near his 
door-step. Here were marigolds and pinks, morning- 
glories, lilacs and roses. Hither came the bees, attracted 
by the mellifluous fragrance. Hither came the wind from 
the sweet south, giving and receiving odor. Hither flocked 
the children from a school just opened in Squire Foot's 
new barn, a few rods away. . As a special favor, the old 
gentleman now and then gave them bouquets, which they 
carried home with pride and rejoicing. Some of these chil- 
dren had doubtless gathered the hepatica and violet and 
blood-root in the adjoining woods, but these brilliant flow- 
ers from old Connecticut, if they did not surpass the former 
in beauty, were at least a greater novelty. The Indians, 
as they canie to the village for trading, sometimes loitered, 
and leaned over the white man's fence, wondering of what 
use such a garden could be. Some of the children of 
Moses Foot are with us unto this day, and the de- 



MRS. ELIZABETH LUCAS. 61 

scendancs of his flowers are still blooming in the gardens 
of Kirkland. Among the children in the school just re- 
ferred to, and whose eyes rejoiced in those flowers, was 
Elizabeth Bristol, now Mrs. Lucas, still a resident of 
Clinton, and rounding out her life in a serene and beau- 
tiful old age of ninety-two years. 



CHAPTER III. 

KEV. SAMUEL KIRKLAKD. 1 

Few personages figure more prominently in the early 
history of this region, than the Rev. Samuel Kirkland. It 
would seem that the first inhabitants of this place held 
him in high honor, since they gave his name to their 
town. It will not be inappropriate, therefore, to devote 
a chapter of this history to a sketch of this good man's 
life. 

Mr. Kirkland was born in Norwich, Conn., Decem- 
ber 1, 1741. His earliest ancestor of whom any trace 
remains, was one John Kirkland, of Silver Street, Lon- 
don. The family, for several generations, held influ- 
ential posts in society and in the church. Miles Standish 
was one of his progenitors. Particular mention is also 
made of Daniel, his father, who was pastor of a church 
in Norwich, and is recorded as being " a devoted minis- 
ter, an accomplished scholar, a man of fine talents, of a 
ready wit, and an amiable disposition." Of the incidents 
of Samuel's childhood and youth little is known. It may 
be supposed, however, that he was trained, like other 
Puritan boys of the time, to habits of industry and 
self-dependence. As Cotton Mather wrote of Thomas 
Hooker, so it may be said of him, that " he was born of 
parents that were neither unable nor unwilling to bestow 

1 The substance of this chapter was contributed to the North American Re- 
view, for July, 1863. 




, 



MR. KIRKLAND'S STUDIES. 63 

upon him a liberal education ; whereunto the early, lively 
sparkles of wit observed in him did very much encourage 
them. His natural temper was cheerful and courteous ; 
but it was accompanied with such a sensible grandeur of 
mind as caused his friends, without the help of astrology, 
to prognosticate that he was born to be considerable." 

When about twenty years of age, we find him at the 
academy of Rev. Dr. Wheelock, at Lebanon, Conn., pre- 
paring for college. Among his companions here were 
several Indian youth, with one of whom he studied the 
Mohawk dialect, and made a good degree of proficiency 
in it. He entered the sophomore class at Princeton, 
where he maintained a high rank as a scholar. Here, if 
not at Lebanon, he entered upon the christian life. At 
some time during his college course, he determined to 
spend his days in missionary service among the Indian 
tribes of the West ; and when this purpose was once 
formed, it gave a new impulse to his mind and inspired 
him with fresh ardor in study. 

The senior year in college seems to have been a little 
too long for his fervent zeal ; since we find him starting 
off, several months before its close, on a tour of explora- 
tion and inquiry among the Seneca Indians in western 
New York. Though not present to graduate with his 
class, he received the usual bachelor's degree at Com- 
mencement. Young Kirkland was now twenty -three 
years of age. The Senecas were the most remote of the 
Six Nations, if not the most powerful and warlike of 
them all. His undertaking was regarded by his friends 
as bold and hazardous. The journey thither was toilsome 
and difficult. No Protestant missionary had ever dwelt 
among this tribe ; indeed, all proposals to enlighten and 
convert them had hitherto been scornfully rejected. 



64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Nothing daunted, our young apostle resolved to visit these 
savages, and, if he could persuade them to receive him, 
he meant to live among them as their teacher and spirit- 
ual guide. This enterprise was doubtless undertaken by 
the advice of his patron and friend, Dr. Wheelock, and 
its expenses were defrayed out of funds deposited with 
him by certain benevolent gentlemen in Scotland. The 
journey thither, in view of all its circumstances, is worthy 
of detailed recital. 

He started early in November, 1764, attended by a 
young Mohawk Indian, and arrived on the 16th at John- 
son Hall, the residence of Sir William Johnson, his 
Majesty's Agent for Indian Affairs, near the present 
village of Johnstown, N. Y. Much to his regret, he was 
obliged to remain here until, January, for want of a suit- 
able guide through the wilderness. But he did not spend 
his time in idleness or vain repining. Every day he 
gained some new information from his host touching the 
manners and customs of the Senecas, and soon acquired 
a good general knowledge of all the leading characters in 
the Six Nations. At length, two friendly Senecas, pass- 
ing westward, offered to conduct him to their country. 
On the 17th of January, the party set out. The weather 
was severely cold, and the snow so deep that it was 
necessary to walk with snow-shoes. Besides this, each 
traveller had to carry a pack of clothes and provisions 
weighing upwards of forty pounds. 

" It would have been a fine study for a painter," says Dr. Lothrop, 
his grandson and biographer, " to watch his countenance, and trace 
its lines of high thought and holy purpose, as he turned his back 
upon Johnson Hall, the last vestige of civilization, and, amid the 
dreary desolation of winter, in company with two savages, . . . with 
whom he could hdrdly exchange a word, struck off into the forest on 
a journey of nearly two hundred miles." — Memoir, p. 24. 



MR. KIRKLAND AMONG THE SENECAS. 65 

He did not suffer as much hardship on this journey as 
he had expected. His companions opened with their 
hatchets the path before him whenever it was obstructed ; 
they halted to rest when he became weary ; they chafed 
his limbs when they were swollen by the friction and 
weight of the snow-shoes ; and at night they made for 
him soft and fragrant beds of evergreen boughs. At 
Kanonwarohale, the chief village of the Oneidas, and at 
Onondaga, they were kindly treated and invited to tarry ; 
but, after a day's rest at each place, they pressed forward 
until they reached Kanadasegea, the principal village of 
the Senecas. The day after their arrival, a council was 
called to receive and hear a letter brought by Mr. Kirk- 
land from Sir William, in which, among other things, 
he commended the missionary to their confidence, and 
enjoined it upon them to treat him with kindness and 
respect. The head-chief and a majority of his people 
received him with frank cordiality, though a few were 
silent and sullen. The sachem even adopted him into 
his family ; of which ceremony the graceful forms and 
courtesies, were truly remarkable, as the acts of sav- 
ages who had learned little from the usages of civilized 
life. A Dutch trader, happening to stroll into the settle- 
ment the next day, acted as interpreter between the par- 
ties. It is remarkable that nearly every one who' ad- 
dressed the missionary began with this inquiry : " What 
put it into your mind to leave your father's house and 
country, to come so many hundred miles to see Indians, 
and live among them ? " Did they suspect some sinister 
design, or were the poor creatures unable to appreciate 
his christian philanthropy ? 

Having been domiciled in a small family near the 
wigwam of the sachem, Mr. Kirkland applied himself to 



66 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

learning the language, and acquainting himself with the 
habits of the people. For a time everything went on 
smoothly. But lo ! in a few weeks his host died sud- 
denly in the night. " What means this? " inquired the 
superstitious red men. Some of his enemies avowed that 
he had caused this death by magic ; others, that the 
Great Spirit was angry because they had permitted the 
strange teacher to come among them ; and they clamored 
for his life. A council was called to consider this matter, 
and held its sessions for six days. At first the result 
seemed doubtful. On the third day, one of his friends, 
apprehensive as to the issue, put a gun into his hands, 
and led him into the woods, as if for hunting partridges, 
but, in reality, to conceal him in a distant and secret hut 
until the public excitement should pass over. At length, 
after long deliberation, the missionary was acquitted, and 
restored to general confidence. Several days after the 
dispersion of the council, the chief took Mr. Kirkland 
aside, and observed to him, quite naively, that " some 
Indians were afraid of writing, as it would speak for a 
great many years afterward, and that, whenever he wrote 
to Sir William, therefore, it would be good for him to 
call several of the chiefs together, and interpret to them 
what he had written : this would please them, and make 
their hearts glad." The young missionary was shrewd 
enough to see that this speech was designed to prevent 
his writing to Mr. Johnson an account of the late diffi- 
culty. They were heartily ashamed of it. 

A speech of one of the leading men in this council (as 
afterwards reported to Mr. Kirkland) ran thus : " This 
white skin whom we call our brother has come upon a 
dark design, or he would not have travelled so many hun- 
dred miles. He brings the white people's book. They 



MR. KIRKLAND IN PERIL. 67 

call it God's holy book. Brothers, attend ! You know 
this book was never made for Indians. The Great Spirit 
gave us a book for ourselves. He wrote it in our heads." 
This speech became inflammatory as it went on, and 
closed with a demand for the white man's blood. The 
widow of the deceased was then called to testify whether 
this priest did not carry with him some magical powders. 
" Did he never come to the bedside, and whisper in your 
husband's ear, or puff in his face ? " " No, never," replied 
the honest woman ; " he always sat or lay down on his 
own bunk ; and in the evening, after we were in bed, we 
could see him get down on his knees and talk with a low 
voice." Whether this testimony to his pious integrity, 
or the fear of incurring Sir William's displeasure, had 
most influence upon their decision, we care not now to 
inquire. 

In March and April of the following year there was a 
great scarcity of food among the Senecas and the adjoin- 
ing tribes. Not only was their stock of corn exhausted, 
but game of all sorts became scarce, and for a time noth- 
ing but roots and nuts kept them from starvation. Ex- 
peditions were sent out in various directions for supplies, 
one of which, to the Mohawk Valley, headed by Mr. Kirk- 
land, came back loaded with food and blankets. As soon 
as he had mastered the language so as to speak it, he went 
from village to village, instructing the people in religion. 
He saw, indeed, that many suspicious eyes were fixed 
upon him, and that in some breasts the old hatred was 
still burning ; but he hoped to outlive this prejudice, and 
so kept on at his work as if unconscious of danger. f~ 

A single incident, illustrating the cherished malignity 
of some of the Indians, may nojt be out of place here. Re- 
turning, one summer's day, from a neighboring settlement 



68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

on the lake shore, singing hyihns as he went, and talking 
to his favorite pony, he espied an Indian skulking through 
a neighboring thicket, and picking the flint of his gun, as 
if preparing to fire. A moment's glance showed him that 
this was one of h;s old enemies, — a vindictive and fero- 
cious fellow, capable of any deed of savage cruelty. As- 
sured that this man was intent on destroying his life, he 
yet rode on, betraying no sign of fear. " Stop ! stop ! " 
shouted the Indian. Mr. Kirkland replied, as if misun- 
derstanding him, " I have been over on the other side of 
the lake," meanwhile quickening his horse into greater 
speed. Shortly afterward, he turned his head enough to 
see that the murderer ha.d raised his gun to his shoulder. 
In a moment more, he heard the snap of the lock. The 
gun missing fire, the savage again bade him halt ; but he 
pushed on, though expecting every instant to feel the bul- 
let in his back. The click of the missing lock again 
reached his ear, and now he spurred his horse into a full 
run, and ere long reached home unharmed. What trans- 
pired subsequently we are not informed, except that this 
man, convinced that the Great Spirit loved the mission- 
ary with a special love, and guarded him from impending 
danger, came and humbly begged his pardon, and thence- 
forward remained his stanch friend. 

After Mr. Kirkland had spent a year and a half among 
the Senecas, — a period full of hardship and danger, — 
he returned to New England to receive ordination. Ar- 
riving at Lebanon, he was formally set apart to the work 
of the ministry, and was at the same time appointed In- 
dian missionary under the charge of the Connecticut 
Board of the Scottish Missionary Society. It will be ob- 
served that he had pursued no prescribed curriculum of 
theological study ; his teachers in divinity had been the 



MR. KIRKLAND AMONG THE ONEIDAS: 69 

experiences of eighteen months among the sons of the 
forest. Yet he had not wholly neglected books. No 
small part of the load which he and his guides carried in 
their knapsacks through the wilderness consisted of choice 
treatises on Biblical learning. After his ordination, the 
Missionary Board decided against his return to the Sene- 
cas, and commissioned him, instead, to the Oneidas, who 
were somewhat central among the Six Nations, and 
seemed more willing than any other tribe to receive in- 
struction. Mr. Kirkland, from first to last, regarded 
them as the noblest portion of the confederacy. Brave 
and fierce in war, they yet were generous, hospitable, and 
benevolent in social life. Plainly, too, they were not 
wanting in shrewd and nice discernment of character, 
since they styled the white man " a &m/e-man," — in 
allusion, doubtless, to the favorite recreation of our whit- 
tling ancestors. 

In July, 1766, Mr. Kirkland started for his new field, 
and ere long arrived at Kanonwarohale, the principal vil- 
lage of the tribe, situated near what is now known as 
Oneida Castle. Intending to make this a permanent 
residence, he built for himself a log-house, doing much of 
the work with his own hands. He soon formed plans and 
commenced labors for the good of his new parish, — plans 
and labors which were not wholly in vain. Thus occu- 
pied, he spent three years of useful activity, not sinking 
under bodily privations and discomforts, nor discouraged 
by the indifference or opposition of the natives, but toil- 
ing onward with a cheerful faith, instructing the igno- 
rant, restraining the vicious, and declaring to all the un- 
known God whom they ignorantly worshipped. In the 
spring of 1769, his hardships had so worn upon his health 
that his friends urged him to rest awhile and to visit 



70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

New England. This was just what he needed. The 
summer's recreation on his native hills restored him, and 
before the autumn set in he was ready to return to his 
post of duty. But is it strange that he now began to 
think it not good for a missionary to be alone ? Several 
years before this, his correspondence betrays, now and 
then, a touch of the tender passion. To his friend, Dr. 
Wheelock, he writes : "I thank you, reverend sir, for 
the frequent mention of a certain name in your letters, 
which is very agreeable in this rough, unhewn part of the 
world ; and I can assure you the person would be much 
more so, were I in a proper situation for the sweetest joy 
of life. But farewell to that for the present." His 
circumstances having now somewhat improved, he sought 
and won in marriage the hand of Jerusha Bingham, a 
niece of Dr. Wheelock. 

Our narrative must not linger to follow the happy pair 
in their boat-passage up the Mohawk River, and their 
horseback tour through the woods to Oneida, his wife on 
a pillion behind her husband. Nor can we dwell upon 
his enlargement of his log-house to the dimensions of six- 
teen feet square, making it quite a spacious and stylish 
residence for the time and place. This, however, should 
be said, that Mrs. Kirkland's presence among the Indians 
was immediately felt, diffusing a spirit of order, industry 
and purity on every side, and improving the dress and 
maimers of both men and women. Her husband, too, 
engaged in his work with new energy. His schools 
flourished, intemperance was checked, the Sabbath was 
better observed, and not a few persons appeared truly 
reformed in heart and life. At this very day, there are 
families among the descendants of the Oneida tribe at 
Green Bay, Wisconsin, who trace back" the respectability 



MRS. KIRKLAND. 71 

and virtue of their ancestors, to the labors of the mission- 
ary at this period. 

In the year 1770 Mr. Kirkland transferred his relations 
from the Scottish Board of Missions to the London So- 
ciety, whose correspondents resided in Boston. He also 
now interested himself more in the material prosperity of 
the Oneidas. A saw-mill, a grist-mill, and a blacksmith's 
shop were built the same year, with a substantial school- 
house and church. Then oxen were purchased, and farm- 
ing utensils in considerable variety. During the next 
year Mrs. Kirkland)! became the happy mother of twin 
sons, whom the parents named George Whitefield and 
John Thornton. The Indians were greatly rejoiced at 
this event ; they adopted the boys into their tribe with a 
gleeful ceremony, and gave them significant and high- 
sounding names. The following summer and winter Mrs. 
Kirkland spent at Stockbridge, Mass., intending to re- 
turn in the spring. But when that season came, such 
disturbances had arisen among the Six Nations, with the 
prospect also of war between the Colonies and the mother 
country, that Mr. Kirkland thought it prudent to pur- 
chase a house for her in Stockbridge, where she could 
remain with her children in safety. 

Now begins a turbulent period in the life of our mis- 
sionary. Sir William Johnson having died, his son, 
Colonel Guy Johnson, was made Superintendent in his 
stead. " Another king arose who knew not Joseph." 
In every possible way he showed hostility to him and the 
objects of his mission. A sturdy royalist, he tried to ar- 
ray the Indians against the colonists. A bigoted Church- 
man, he hated Mr. Kirkland's Puritanism, and reviled his 
clerical pretensions before the natives, affirming that he 
and all the otheY " New England ministers were not true 



72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAXD. 

ministers of the gospel," and " that they held to dan- 
gerous doctrines." " You Indians," he declared with 
much warmth, " ought to pray only according to those 
forms which the king has set forth in the prayer-book, 
and you must learn the responses." The angry colonel 
failed to carry his point. The natives summoned a coun- 
cil, in which they resolved to send him a belt of wampum . 
and a messenger to make a speech defending the mission- 
ary and deprecating all interference with his work. At 
the same time, they paid due respect to the position and 
dignity of the colonel. This firm yet temperate and 
reasonable course had the desired effect. 

During the Revolutionary War. which now began, we 
have no full or connected account of Mr. Kirkland's life. 
His labors as missionary and teacher were much inter- 
rupted by the efforts of the royalists to enlist the Indians 
against the colonists. During this period of agitation, he 
was often absent from Oneida, now serving as chaplain 
in the Continental army, and then engaged by appoint- 
ment of the government in endeavors to hold the Six Na- 
tions in a state of neutrality. In this latter capacity he 
took lono- iournevs in various directions to attend councils 
among the different tribes. For a time his exertions 
promised success, but the persistent efforts of Joseph 
Brant, Colonel Johnson, and other British agents, were 
too much for him. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras re- 
mained firm ; but the Mohawks, Senecas and others 
wavered, and then fell away. Every reader of American 
history is familiar with that bloody page which recounts 
the descent of St. Leger, at this time, from Oswego, with 
a large body of Indians, attacking Fort Schuyler (now 
Utica), and ravaging no small part of the valley of the 
Mohawk. At these scenes of violence, the Oneidas and 



• WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 73 

Tuscaroras became greatly excited. Like all other 
savages, they delighted in war. To keep the peace, as 
the colonists desired, was the hardest thing that could be 
demanded of them ; they wanted to fight on one side or 
the other. After two years of impatient neutrality, 
General Schuyler gratified them by allowing a few hun- 
dred warriors, headed by the famous Oneida chief, 
Skenandoa, to engage in certain special services. In the 
years 1777 and 1778, we find Mr. Kirkland at one time 
on short visits to his family ; again at Oneida, endeavor- 
ing to cheer and control his people amid the troubles of 
the times ; and again at various places, procuring infor- 
mation from friendly scouts of the movements of the 
enemy along our northern frontier. In 1779 he was 
brigade chaplain with General Sullivan, in his campaign 
on the Susquehanna. 

On the return of peace, in 1784, he was reappointed a 
missionary among the Oneidas. But he found, alas ! that 
war had sown desolation in its track. It left the red men 
poor, their habits of industry broken up, their morals de- 
praved, and their schools and churches almost forsaken. 
Yet he was not discouraged. He resumed his work with 
hopefulness and ardor. In the course of a year the affairs 
of his flock looked encouraging. The natives became 
more intelligent, and showed a disposition to inquire 
into, and an ability to understand, the leading truths of 
Christianity. A Cayuga chief, who had heard favorable 
reports of the white priest and his Bible, came sixty miles 
to visit him. The origin of the christian religion, the 
inspiration of the Scriptures, the law of God, the his- 
tory of Christ, — such high themes were the subjects 
of their conversation. The sagamore admitted that 
Christianity was a pretty good sort of religion. But just 



74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

as lie was leaving, Satan put it into his heart to inquire 
why, if the Bible was so good a book, it had been so long 
withheld from heathen nations ; and this he followed up 
with other questions of casuistry, — among the rest, that 
old thorny perplexity, the origin of evil, — all produced 
for the sake of debate and fault-finding. The missionary 
replied to these inquiries in an able manner, but feared 
that the chief went back to his tribe little benefited by 
his visit. 

A happier case was that of a venerable Indian, who had 
been quite a Pharisee, and was accounted one of the 
wisest men of his tribe, but who, after several discussions 
with Mr. Kirkland, was convinced of the falsity and cor- 
ruption of paganism and of the truth and purity of 
Christianity, and then entreated his teacher to " come 
and cast water on him in the name of Jesus." The con- 
version of this leading man was the beginning of a 
general reformation. For a period of seven months not 
an instance of intoxication was observed. In the three 
villages under Mr. Kirkland's care upwards of seventy 
persons were believed to have become truly religious. 
Not seldom did he see persons in his congregation 
who had walked twenty and thirty miles to hear him 
preach. 

"When the troublous period of the Revolution was over, 
Mrs. Kirkland had hoped to return to Oneida, to share 
with her husband in his privations and labors. But the 
want of schools and of suitable society for her children 
detained her in Stockbridge year after year. One of her 
sons, John Thornton, — a name afterwards to become 
eminent in the Presidency of Harvard College, — was 
sent to Phillips Academy, Andover, and thence, in due 
time, to Cambridge. The twin brother JGeorge, was sent 






DEATH OF MRS. KIRKLAND. 75 

to Dartmouth College. In the year 1788, when the 
hopes and prospects of the family were very bright, the 
mother was taken away, — a blow from which the chil- 
dren, as well as the husband and father, were slow to re- 
cover. In the summer of this year, Mr. Kirkland was 
directed by the Missionary Board to perform a tour 
among the other tribes of the confederacy, in order to as- 
certain their real numbers, and to learn their desires in 
reference to missionaries and teachers. In connection 
with this, he was requested by the State government to 
attend a council of chiefs and State Commissioners held 
at Buffalo Creek, for the transaction of important busi- 
ness. It was found that the Six Nations numbered about 
4350, exclusive of the Mohawks, who had left the con- 
federacy and settled north of Lake Erie ; also, that they 
were not friendly to the proposal to send New England 
missionaries among them ; at least, if any were sent, they 
insisted on having only such as would baptize the children 
of all parents, however ungodly. It would seem that 
Mr. Kirkland's services as interpreter and mediator in the 
council were highly valued by both parties. At the con- 
clusion, " the chiefs unanimously returned him their 
thanks for his friendly aid and advice." The commis- 
sioners also voted that, " in consideration of the services 
rendered .... by the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, two thousand 
acres of land .... shall be appropriated and given 
gratis to the said Mr. Kirkland, for the accommodation 
of his sons, or for such other purpose as he may think 
proper." 1 And at the close of this year, the State of New 
York and the Indians conjointly made him a grant of 
valuable lands in Oneida County amounting in all to 
about 4760 acres. The tract, since known as Kirkland's 

l This land lay in Ontario County. 



76 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

patent, was two miles square, and lay on the west side of 
what is now styled " the Property Line," its northeast 
corner being just outside the present park of Hamilton 
College. 

This year and the next find him busy in his appropri- 
ate work, yet not without troubles. His meetings were 
sometimes interrupted by noisy and drunken men. More 
than once plans were laid to take his life. One morning, 
a bloody tomahawk was found stuck in his door, an inti- 
mation that he must soon leave the neighborhood, or 
expect the tomahawk. French traders brought in Jesuit 
priests to combat his teachings and assail his reputation. 
But he bore his trials manfully, and his influence among 
the people was strengthened under every attempt to 
weaken it. 

During the summer of 1789, several head men of the 
tribe came to confer with him in reference to the con- 
dition and prospects of their nation. Earnestly, and 
sometimes tearfully, they spoke of their poor people, con- 
trasting their lot with that of the whites. They coidd 
not help seeing that the English were increasing in num- 
bers and power, while they were becoming weaker ; and, 
beholding this, they exclaimed, " The rivers and harbors 
which once received only a few canoes of ours are now 
crowded with the great ships of the white people ! 
Lands which our forefathers sold for a few pence could 
not now be purchased of the whites for a hundred or a 
thousand dollars ! Where we had only a few smokes 
(wigwams), they have now great cities and lofty houses ! " 
A lamentation which poetry has caught up and re- 
peated : 

" They waste us, — aye, like April snow, 
In the warm noon, we shrink away : 



: INDIAN LAMENTATIONS. 77 

And fast they follow, as we go 
Towards the setting day, — 
Till they shall fill the land, and we 
Are driven into the western sea." 

As they dwelt upon this theme, their breasts would 
heave and their eyes flash with sorrowful indignation. 
" Why this difference ? " they exclaimed, in tones of 
piteous despair. " Does not the curse of Heaven rest 
upon us for some old transgression, which we are power- 
less to remove, and which prevents our reformation and 
our prosperity ? " A strange superstition, indeed ; yet, 
in these lamentations over their impending fate, what a 
touch of nobleness ! Mr. Kirkland handled the matter 
wisely. He unfolded the influence of ignorance/and vice, 
and of knowledge and virtue, respectively, on individual 
and national character ; and he showed that herein, and 
not in any malediction of Heaven, lay the difference be- 
tween the lot of the Indians and that of the whites. He 
endeavored to cheer and encourage them, assuring them 
that by diffusing intelligence, and by cultivating habits 
of industry and virtue, they might hope to rise to a con- 
dition of comfort and prosperity. 

Among the records of the following summer, we note 
intimations that he was then giving much thought to a 
system of thorough education for the Indians of the Five 
Nations. He even went so far as to draw out his " Plan " 
in writing, and to submit it to the consideration of sev- 
eral leading civilians. These gentlemen expressed their 
approbation of his scheme, but did not think the time 
quite ripe for its execution. 

In the winter of 1791, the general government again 
sought his aid in conducting a negotiation between 
them and the confederacy, the design of which was to 



78 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

strengthen their attachment to the government, and to 
secure a more general introduction among them of the 
arts of civilization. Washington felt a deep interest in 
this movement, and General Knox wrote to Mr. Kirkland 
more than once, expressing the high sense which the 
government entertained of his services, and urging him, 
if consistent with his other duties, to undertake tin's new 
labor. A hostile feeling had lately sprung up against 
the whites, and plans were maturing in secret to combine 
the whole confederacy and the Western tribes against the 
American government. Thanks to the missionary's 
great personal influence and untiring exertions, this con- 
spiracy was nipped in the bud. The Five Nations were 
induced to remain firm in their adhesion to the govern- 
ment, and eventually adopted some of the measures pro- 
posed for their improvement. 

Is it surprising that Mr. Kirkland now desired to 
gather the separated members of his family under one 
roof and under his own eye? With this in view, he 
cleared several acres of his landed property near Oneida, 
and built a house upon it. The removal of his effects 
having been accomplished under the charge of his son 
John Thornton, he plied his missionary work with all his 
accustomed zeal. During this year some friendly hand 
presented his educational scheme to Congress, and it met 
with such favor that a yearly grant of $1500 was voted, 
to aid in teaching the natives agriculture and some of the 
useful arts. 

In August, 1792, he attended the Commencement at 
Dartmouth College, accompanied by an Oneida chief, 
named Onondego, whose remarkable presence attracted 
much attention. The trustees and faculty of the col- 
lege paid marked respect to Mr. Kirkland during this 



MR. KIRKLAND AMONG THE COLLEGES. 79 

visit. On Commencement day, President Wheelock ad- 
dressed Onondego from the rostrum. A part of his 
response addressed to the graduating class ran as fol- 
lows : — 

" My young brothers, I salute you. My yery heart has been 
gladdened by your pleasant voices. Although I understand but little 
of your language, I see marks of wisdom, and an enlarged mind, in 
many things you have said in your talks this day. This is the place 
for enlightening the mind. . . . 

" My young brothers, attend. In the world there are many 
things* which cause tbe unwary to step out of the right path. Hear 
what I say. Be watchful. Do not forget wdiat you have learned. 
Never go out of the straight path. It has been marked out by the 
instructions of your chief. . . . Let every step in your future life 
. . . show that you love peace and the true religion ; and the Great 
Spirit will bless you. The light begins to break forth a little among 
us in yonder wilderness." 

From Hanover they went to Boston and Cambridge. 
At the college, the chief became quite a " lion " to the 
undergraduates ; his grave and crisp remarks on what he 
saw and heard pleased them not a little. The library, 
the chemical and philosophical apparatus, and the astro- 
nomical instruments, filled him with wonder. As to the 
orrery, which he called " the sun-moon-and-star machine," 
he feared he should not be able to describe it to his 
nation, or that they would ridicule it as " some magic- 
work." On leaving the town he " expressed great 
delight and surprise that the wise men at Cambridge, 
with their knowledge of everything about the works of 
God, in creation and providence, could nevertheless turn 
their attention to the interests and happiness of poor 
Indians." 

Shortly after this tour in New England, Mr. Kirkland 
transferred his residence from Oneida to his lands near 



80 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAXD. 

the village of Clinton. Here his children, five in num- 
ber. gj*ew to maturity. Here, too, he was ruarr: 
INIiss Mary Donnally, a respectable lady who had long 
resided in his family, and had^cfearge of his children and 
household in Stockbridge. It was his wont to ride on 

->ack to his various preaching-places in the vicinity. 
On one of these) tours through the woods, a small branch 
of a tree, which lie was endeavoring to push aside, struck 
him in the eye. The blow was n ere or painful 

prevent his going forward and fulfilling his engage- 
ments : but the injury proved to be serious and perma- 
nent. For several months he was unable to read or 
write, and his nervous system was much deranged. By 
the advice of his physician, he went to Xew York and 
Philadelphia to consult certain eminent oculists. He 
was the more readily inclined to undertake this journey 
because, in addition to the benefit to his health which he 
hoped to gain, it would give him an opportunity to confer 
with several leading men as to a further prosecution of 
his educational scheme. This scheme contemplated the 
providing, first, of schools for young native children, in 
which they should be taught the rudiments of an English 
education. Three such schools had already been estab- 
lished. A second part of his plan involved the founding 
of a high school, or academy, to be centrally situated, 
and contiguous to some settlement of whites, to which 
i; English youth were to be admitted, bearing the charges 
of their own education." and a certain number of older 
Indian boys, selected from the different tribes of the 
confederacy. These latter were "to be instructed," we 
now use Mr. Kirkland"s words, - in the principles of 
human nature, in the history of civil society, so as to be 
able - Q the difference between a state of nature 



A CADEMY FO XJNDED. 81 

and a state of civilization, and know what it is that 
makes one nation differ from another in wealth, power, 
and happiness ; and in the principles of natural religion, 
the moral precepts, and the more plain and express doc- 
trines of Christianity." For the convenience of both 
parties, he proposed to place this institution near what 
was then the boundary-line between the white settle- 
ments and the Indian territory. The scheme was well 
approved everywhere, but perhaps it found its warmest 
advocates among those intelligent families which had 
recently emigrated from New England and settled in the 
. adjoining towns ; for though they somewhat doubted its 
success so far as the Indians were I concerned, they felt 
sure that it would be beneficial to the white population. 

On the journey of which we have spoken, he gave his 
first thoughts to the Academy. He solicited and obtained 
subscriptions to its funds. He visited the Governor of 
the State, and the Regents of the University, and, with 
their cooperation, took the first steps toward procuring 
a charter, which was obtained the following year, 1793. 
Alexander Hamilton afforded him invaluable aid, as did 
also Colonel Pickering. At Philadelphia he called upon 
General Washington, who expressed a warm interest in 
the welfare of the institution. Mr. Hamilton was one 
of the trustees mentioned in the petition for its incorpora- 
tion, and after him it was named the " Hamilton Oneida 
Academy." Mr. Kirkland's exertions did not end here. 
In April, 1793, he conveyed to the institution a valuable 
grant of land. This donation was made in connection 
with a subscription for erecting the academy building. 
On the table before us lies this original subscription- 
paper, now yellow and torn, on which he entered his 
first donation. It reads in this simple way: "Sam 1 
6 



82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Kirkland, £10.0.0. and 15 days' work. Also, 300 acres 
of land, for the use and benefit of the Academy, to be 
leased, and the product applied towards the support of 
an able instructor." 

This gift, with others from the friends of learning and 
religion throughout the State, placed the Academy on a 
substantial footing. A commodious building was erected 
on the western hillside overlooking the infant settlement 
of Clinton, on the spot designated by Mr. Kirkland ; an 
able preceptor and an assistant were procured, and the 
doors opened for pupils. Hamilton Oneida Academy 
soon became widely known, and scholars flocked to it 
from every quarter. 

In his Historical Discourse, President Fisher, having 
remarked upon the time at which the corner-stone of the 
Academy was laid, thus pictures also the occasion : — 

" The occasion is one of special interest. The chief statesmen of 
the nation, including the Father of his Country, have heard of and 
anticipated it with that peculiar pleasure which belongs to far-seeing 
and patriotic minds, intent upon the production of those forces which 
were to mould the grand future of this young nation. It has gath- 
ered together the leading minds from a large section of the State. 
The men who moulded these communities into their present form, 
with not a few of the earnest, stalwart workers whose hands were to 
subdue the forests, are there. Steuben, the brave old warrior, who 
came, in our hour of trial, to discipline our rude soldiery and organ- 
ize them into the effective battalions that beat back the invading 
hosts of England, has come to perform one of the last and most 
notable and pregnant acts of his useful life, for the country of his 
adoption, — to lay the corner-stone of an Institution which is to bear 
down into the future the name of his old compatriot in arms, one of 
the foremost statesmen of this or any other age. A troop of horse- 
men, commanded by a son of Kirkland, among whom were some 
■who had mingled in the fight of Oriskany, and seen Cornwallis sur- 
render his sword at Yorktown, occupy the outer circle as his escort, 
and symbolize the patriotism that is to be nourished here ; a patriot- 



LAYING OF CORNER-STONE. 83 

ism that in the hour of our country's need will not shrink, sword in 
hand, from defending the nation's rights, be the assailants ambitious 
foreign despots, or equally ambitious but more malignant traitors in 
our own land. Reclining partly on the grass and standing around 
is a company of the faithful Oneidas, among whom towers the ven- 
erable form of their Christian chief, the brave Skenandoa : Sken- 
andoa, the friend of Kirkland, whose counsels in peace and war 
have kept them firm on one side through all the horrors of the 
Revolution ; his head is now whitened by the snows of ninety 
winters ; he looks in silence upon the scene, knowing that, whatever 
may betide his people, his own ashes will mingle with those of his 
Christian father, and his body ascend with his in the resurrection of 
the just. 

" But there is still another — the central figure of this company — 
around whom clusters the chief interest ; one whose noble heart 
prompted, whose intellect conceived, whose energy carried into ex- 
ecution, the plan of founding this Institution. The name of Samuel 
Kirkland, although as yet, like that of Calvin, no marble shaft 
designates the spot where his dust reposes, will live while yonder 
walls endure, and literature, science, and religion shall cherish the 
memory of those whose lives have been associated with their ad- 
vancement in this land." — Memorial, p. GO. 

We cannot now pause to trace the history of this insti- 
tution further than to record, that in the year 1812 it was 
raised to the rank of a college, and that from that time 
to the present it has enjoyed a fair measure of prosperity. 
" The establishment of this seminary of learning, which 
had occupied so many of Mr. Kirkland's thoughts for the 
fifteen years previous, was the last important act of his 
life. He continued his missionary labors, but they were 
performed amid bodily infirmities and many increasing 
sorrows. He never recovered entirely from the injury 
of his eye. In the year 1795, he was thrown from 
his horse, and received a blow which aggravated his 
other disorders. In short, he had overtasked his ener- 
gies by thirty years of toil and exposure, and it was 



84 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

not strange that his health now broke clown. And 
that he should slacken somewhat his labors among the 
Indians is not surprising, nor yet that he should neglect 
the details of some of the other interests committed 
to his keeping. Accordingly, we find that, in the year 
1797, the Board of Commissioners withdrew from him 
their appointment and support. They did not present 
full and satisfactory reasons for this summary procedure ; 
but they doubtless felt that as he had become broken in 
health and spirits, and was somewhat engrossed in the 
care of his lands, a younger man could serve the society 
better. It is gratifying to know that his integrity was 
not impeached. Shortly after this, he became involved 
in great pecuniary embarrassments through the failure 
of one of his sons ; and close upon this calamity came 
the death of two of his children, Samuel and George. 
But the brave old man bore up under his heavy and 
complicated trials, evincing a patience and submission 
truly remarkable. 

In the year 1798 he received a visit from President 
Dwight of Yale College, and Jeremiah Day, then tutor 
in the same institution. These gentlemen had started 
from New Haven for a vacation tour on horseback to 
Niagara Fails ; but on reaching Utica, they heard such 
accounts of the difficulties and perils of the journey beyond 
that they were constrained to abandon it. They, however, 
rode out to Clinton, to visit the missionary Kirkland and 
his infant seminary, and then returned to New England. 
During the remainder of his life, Mr. Kirkland continued 
to cherish a deep interest in the improvement of the 
town where he resided, in the prosperity of the Academy, 
and in the welfare of the Indians. He bestowed several 
other gifts upon the. institution, and in his death did not 



MR. KIRKLAND'S DEATH. 85 

forget it. With or without official, appointment and 
salary, he regarded himself as missionary and friend to 
the natives, and he continued to serve them while he 
lived. His death occurred in February, 1808, after a 
short but severe illness. His remains were carried to 
the village church in Clinton, where a sermon was 
preached by the Rev. Dr. Norton. A large assemblage 
of Indians, from far and near, convened on the occasion, 
and poured out bitter lamentations over his grave. The 
funeral address was interpreted to them by Judge James 
Dean, then resident Agent of Indian Affairs. 1 

Mr. Kirkland seems to have been well adapted phys- 
ically for the life of labor which he chose. In stature 
he was a little above the medium height, well propor- 
tioned, robust, and in his mature manhood inclining to 
stoutness. In manners he was simple, dignified, and 
courteous, not without a dash of brusqueness at times, 
yet thoroughly polite, — a true gentleman of the old 
school. His urbanity came partly from native endow- 
ment and partly from his frequent intercourse with emi- 
nent and cultivated men. On all public occasions he wore 
the clerical gown and bands, and, thus robed, presented 
an imposing aspect. His portrait, prefixed to this chap- 
ter, represents him as he appeared when about forty years 
of age, — erect, vigorous, of commanding presence, with 
a penetrating eye, and an animated, buoyant expression, 
as if ready for adventure or the endurance of hardship. 
Had he possessed a feeble constitution, he could never 

1 Mention has already been made of his two sons, George Whitefield and 
Samuel Thornton. Of his daughters, the eldest, Jerusha, was married to John 
H. Lothrop, of Utica, N. Y.. and died about twelve years ago. The next, 
Sarah, became the wife of Francis Amory, of Boston. Eliza, the youngest, 
■was married to the late Edward Robinson, then Professor in Hamilton College, 
and since a Biblical scholar of world-wide reputation. 



86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

have made those long and toilsome journeys, often on foot, 
through mud and snow, and sometimes in open boats ; 
nor could he have submitted to the hard fare of the 
savages, and been brought, not seldom, to the verge of 
starvation. Some of his survivors, who saw him in their 
youth, tell us that, when he was about sixty years of age, 
he looked like a hard-worn old man, — one who had gone 
through the wars, and come out bronzed by exposure and 
well marked with bruises and scars. Only a man of 
great physical vigor could have endured so much and 
held out so long. 

It will not be claimed for him that he was endowed 
with extraordinary mental powers. We find no brilliancy 
of imagination, no exuberance of wit, no philosophical 
profoundness. But we meet with what is of more value, 
— good, plain strength of intellect, ability to grasp large 
and small matters, solid judgment, rare executive talent, 
and an unconquerable will. He was a careful observer 
of men and of events. Early thrown upon his own 
resources, and disciplined by adversity, he became inde- 
pendent and self-sustained. His mind took on something 
of the freedom and rough grandeur of the scenes amid 
which, his life was passed. It was no slight advantage 
for him to live in the stirring times of our Revolution, 
to witness its first outbreak, to watch and help on its 
progress, and to greet its successful termination. In such 
scenes the mind often acquires a vigor and clearness 
which do not come from simply poring over books. 

He was by no' means wanting in tender sensibility and 
generous enthusiasm, and in humor and wit, though this 
latter trait was only a delicate vein running through his 
nature, and not perceptible to every eye. It took the 
form rather of airy sprightliness and genial pleasantry. 



MR. KIRKLAND'S CHARACTER. 87 

He possessed a large fund of memorabilia ; and the 
recital of these in his downright, hearty manner gave 
variety and raciness to his conversation. 

We do not hear that the Indians ever said of him, as 
the natives once did of a bookish Puritan, that " he could 
whistle Greek ; " yet he was learned enough to be an 
oracle to them, and his learning was practical, and ever 
at their service. To use an ancient figure, he was a tree 
of knowledge which carried its heavily-laden boughs so 
low that even children might pluck the golden fruit. 
He did not, like Jonathan Edwards, while missionary to 
the Stockbridge Indians, spend his leisure in compos- 
ing theological treatises, but he gave all his time and 
thoughts to the 'well-being of his humble charge. He 
was made for a pioneer and for a worker in the common 
ways of life, and he used his talents wisely and effectively. 

His moral and religious character gave tone and direc- 
tion to his whole career. While yet a youth, at Dr. 
Wheelock's school, his true spiritual life began, and he 
evinced the earnestness of his zeal by resolving at once to 
spend his days in missionary service among the Indians. 
He consorts with the dusky Seneca boys, that he may 
learn their manners and their strange tongue. From 
college halls his eyes look abroad with longing upon the 
western wilderness, and he cannot wait for his bachelor's 
diploma before he starts upon his first adventurous jour 
ney among the Iroquois. Nor does he sink under rough 
toil, or quail before persecution and threatened death. 
He does not, like David Brainerd, spend his time and 
exhaust his strength in torturing self-scrutiny and self- 
upbraiding and melancholy forebodings. No : he' wisely 
holds that the best proof of love to God is to be found 
in hearty, joyous service for him. He suffers himself to 



88 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 

be adopted into the family of an Indian, sleeps and eats in 
their smoky, squalid wigwams, becomes all things to them, 
if by any means he may save some. He imbues their chil- 
dren with the rudiments of education and religion, and 
to their sages he opens the higher wisdom of the Bible. 
He teaches agriculture and mechanics. He mediates 
between men at variance. He goes on long journeys to 
negotiate their affairs with the whites, and to keep them 
at peace with those who would embroil them in war. 

And does he not serve his country, too ? Indeed, as 
we review the history of his life during the Revolutionary 
War, — holding in friendly relations two savage tribes, 
and keeping close watch upon the movements of others, 
— now acting as chaplain in the army, and at the con- 
clusion of the war managing several difficult embassies 
between the natives and the whites for their mutual 
benefit, — he seems to us deserving of no less honor from 
his countrymen than many a military hero crowned with 
blood-bought laurels. 

His plan for the education of the Indians is creditable 
alike to his head and his heart. He doubtless foresaw 
that missionary labors among them would be of little 
permanent value without education. The half-regener- 
ated savage would relapse into barbarism as soon as the 
living preacher should be withdrawn. Desirous that his 
work should outlast his own life, he resolved to lay a 
solid basis in education. He wanted, moreover, to pro- 
mote the social culture of the natives by bringing their 
children into daily association with those of white men. 
In this way he hoped to overcome the prejudices exist- 
ing between the two races, and to bind them together in 
bonds of perpetual brotherhood. The conception of this 
plan must have been the fruit of those frequent and 



FRUITS OF HIS LABORS. 89 

touching interviews with Indian chiefs concerning the 
prospects of their race. These men saw that their de- 
cline was inevitable, unless something were done to pre- 
vent it ; and they came with sad hearts to their friend 
and teacher, imploring his help to save them from utter 
extinction. It seems as if his scheme were formed in 
fulfillment of some secret, holy vow to make one grand 
and mighty effort to stay their fall, and, if possible, to 
restore them to prosperity. Was it not a worthy en- 
deavor? Had he done nothing more than this, he would 
be entitled to a high place among christian philanthro- 
pists. 

It matters little that his plan did not accomplish all 
that he had hoped. No rnitives ever became members of 
his Academy. The careless freedom of life in the woods 
and the excitements of the hunting-ground were more 
attractive than the confinement and dull routine of the 
school-room. Yet of the large number trained in his 
primary schools, a goodly proportion became intelligent 
and virtuous men. To this clay, their descendants, living 
in a Western State, revere and bless no name so much as 
that of Kirkland. But his scheme, so far as it related 
to the whites, was abundantly successful. The Academy 
flourished, and, as he had contemplated from the first, 
was soon raised to the rank of a College. He saw our 
day afar off, and was glad. The old landmark known as 
" the boundary line of property " between the whites and 
Indians has been almost swept away with the removal 
of the natives ; but the College founded by his wisdom 
and benevolence still stands, diffusing its light far be- 
yond the territory occupied by the Six Nations. It has 
trained its thousand youths for professional and com- 
mercial life, and will doubtless continue to send forth 
streams of healthful influence in all time to come. 



CHAPTER IV. 

KELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 

Haying turned aside from the direct course of our 
narrative to gather up the somewhat miscellaneous facts 
and incidents of the two last chapters, I now proceed to 
consider other important events in their chronological 
order. And this brings me to sketch the history of the 
several churches in Kirkland. 

" Go walke about all Syon hill, yea, round about her go; 
And tell the towres that thereupon are builded on a roe ; 
And mark ye well her bulwarks all, behold her towres there; 
That ye may tell thereof to them that after shall be here. 
For this God is our God, forever more is He; 
Yea, and unto the death also, our guider shall He be." 

Steknhold and HoriviNs. 

I. THE CONGEEGATIONAL CHUECH. 

As I have already mentioned, this town was first 
settled in the spring of the year 1787. The original 
inhabitants, though not all of them in the communion of 
any church, felt that their society would be wholly in- 
complete without its institutions of religion and morality. 
Accordingly we find that on Sunday, the 8th of April, 
soon after their arrival, they assembled for public wor- 
ship. The place of meeting was an unfinished building 
of Captain Foot, which stood on the corner of the present 
Park and Williams Street. The services consisted of 
prayer, singing, and the reading of a printed sermon. 






CHURCH ORGANIZED. 91 

Religious meetings of this kind continued to be held 
until a church was regularly organized and a minister 
installed over it. 

At the time of which we now speak, there were but 
few opportunities for the inhabitants to enjoy the stated, 
public ministrations of religion. The neighboring towns, 
some of which had just commenced their settlements, 
were all without ministers. The Congregational church 
of New Hartford was organized August 27, 1791, and its 
first pastor installed in February, 1792. The united 
congregations of Whitesborough and Fort Schuyler, 
received their first ordained minister August 21, 1794. 
The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, Indian missionary at Oneida, 
held occasional services here at a very early period. Rev. 
Mr. Sergeant and Rev. Mr. Occum also came here, now 
and then, for the same purpose. At wide intervals, also, 
ministers travelling from the East, stopped at this settle- 
ment and preached to attentive hearers. These meetings 
were held sometimes in the log-houses of the inhabitants, 
and often in their more spacious barns. 

In November, 1788, Rev. Samuel Eells, of Branford, 
Conn., an appointed missionary to several feeble churches 
in this State, visited Clinton, at which time he held 
religious services and performed a number of baptisms. 
During his sojourn, he prepared a Covenant, or decla- 
ration of belief, by accepting which, any baptized person 
of good morals and a speculative believer in Christi- 
anity, could be admitted to religious fellowship, though 
not to the communion, and could receive for his house- 
hold the rite of baptism. This was, for substance, the 
"Half- Way Covenant" then in vogue in some parts 
of New England. It contained a brief and general recog- 
nition of certain religious truths and duties, and was 



92 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAXD. 

adopted in the present case simply as a bond of union 
between religiously-disposed persons, until a church with 
its Creed and Covenant should be regularly constituted. 
This compact was signed by seventeen persons, some of 
whom had held the Half- Way Covenant relation to 
churches in New England. 

Several of the more intelligent and thoroughly religious 
members of the Society refused to sign this declaration ; 
and of those who did, quite a number soon became dis- 
satisfied with it. They desired a regularly organized 
church, around which their christian regards could 
gather and fasten, and Articles of Faith strictly Calvin- 
istic, and definite and full in their statement. They ac- 
cordingly consulted with the Rev. Dan Bradley, who had 
lately commenced preaching at New Hartford, and by his 
advice they opened a correspondence with Rev. Dr. 
Edwards, then pastor of the North Church in New 
Haven, 'Conn. By their urgent request, this gentleman 
visited Clinton in August, 1791, and organized a church 
with the Congregational form of government, and con- 
sisting of thirty members. In place of the compact, 
adopted by several persons three years before, he recom- 
mended the Articles of Faith and the Covenant of his 
own church in New Haven. The members of this church 
were so well pleased with these symbols that they 
adopted them as an appropriate expression of their own 
belief and of their desires and purposes in the christian 
life. These have continued, with very slight alterations, 
to be the Creed and Covenant of this church until the 
present time. 

A few weeks afterward, a religious Society, called 
" The Society of Clinton," was formed, consisting of 
eighty-three of the most prominent and respectable per- 



FIRST PASTOR INSTALLED. 93 

sons in the settlement. In looking about for a pastor, 
they turned to their former adviser, Dr. Edwards, and 
on his recommendation, Rev. Asahel Strong Norton, of 
Chatham, Conn., was invited to visit Clinton, with a view 
to his settlement there in the ministry. It was not neces- 
sary for the people to listen a long time to Mr. Norton 
before becoming satisfied as to his ability and fitness to 
be their spiritual teacher and guide. He was ordained 
to the ministry and installed pastor of this church on the 
18th of September, 1793. The salary upon which he 
was settled was fixed at '•' one hundred pounds lawful 
money," or &333.-:j. ; and this continued to be his stipend 
for twenty years, when it was increased to $600.00, which 
it remained for the rest of his. pastorate. 1 

The ecclesiastical Council by which he was ordained 
and installed consisted of the following persons, namely, 
the two missionaries Kirkland and Sergeant, Rev. Samuel 
Eells, of Branford, Conn., Rev. Dan Bradley, of Whites- 
town, and Rev. Joel Bradley, of Westmoreland. There 
were also lay-delegates from the churches in Paris, 
Whitestown, and Westmoreland. The first day was 
spent in the examination of the candidate. The second 
day, at eleven o'clock, was devoted to the ordination. 
That was " an high day " for this infant church and ' 
society. No Meeting-House having yet been erected, 
and no other building in the village being large enough 
to accommodate the expected congregation, provision was 
made for holding the exercises in the open air, upon the 

1 It would seern that the good people of Kirkland thought it not meet to 
bestow an overplus of this world's goods upon their minister. Yet they were 
as generous as their fathers had been before them. The venerable John Cotton 
used to complain that "nothing was cheap in New England but milk and 
ministers." And Increase Mather, in lamenting the smallness of clergymen's 
salaries in his day — about $300 — thought " tbis might of itself account for 
the small harvests enjoyed by our farmers." 



94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Public Green. The spot selected was near the site of 
the present Fountain in the village Park. A temporary 
pulpit was constructed, over which a canopy of green 
boughs was thrown, and a few seats were prepared for 
the comfort of ladies and infirm persons. Of the inhabit- 
ants of the village none were willingly absent. Many 
persons came from the adjoining towns, and here and 
there in the out-skirts of the assembly might have been 
seen the searching eye and strange costume of the neigh- 
boring Indians. Looking beyond this scene, one could 
discern openings made by the farmer's axe in the shadows 
of the forest, and could see patches of green fields smiling 
under the September sun. Here and there, the ascend- 
ing smoke marked the site of the settler's abode ; but 
beyond, throughout the valley, and on the surrounding 
hills, were spread the primitive woods. It was amid 
such a scene that the ordination of the youthful clergy- 
man took place. The religious services were conducted 
by the clerical members of the Council : the sermon and 
charge to the pastor being delivered by Rev. Mr. Eells ; 
the ordaining prayer and the address to the congregation 
being made by Rev. Mr. Kirkland ; and the Right Hand 
of Fellowship by Rev. Mr. Sergeant. The music, — surely 
there was something prophetic in one of the hymns which 
they sang : — 

" Jesus shall reign "where 'er the sun 
Does his successive journeys run." 

From this time onward for two years, nothing of 
special importance transpired in the affairs of this church 
and society. A log building of moderate size having 
been erected on the village Common, in 1792, furnished 
a place for holding religious worship. Mr. Norton also 



«:-.«!, 



1 IJ, 1 1 M 



,-#f'|ffl 111 




OLD WHITE MEBTING-1I0USK 



/ 



MEETING-HOUSE BUILT. 95 

preached in various parts of the town, as opportunity 
presented or circumstances required : to use his own 
words, " I often preached in school-houses and barns and 
in the open woods." 

In the year 1796, the church now numbering about 
sixty members, and the pecuniary ability of the people 
having increased, they determined to erect a House of 
Worship. The log building on the Green was accord- 
ingly torn down, to furnish a site for the new edifice ; 
and the school-house, a small frame building standing on 
the ground now covered by the district schoul house in 
the village, was used for holding religious meetings until 
the new church was completed. 1 

This Meeting-House was built of wood, in the style 
of architecture then common in the rural parts of New 
England. It stood upon a knoll some ten or twelve feet 
higher than the present level of the village Park, facing 
the south, the front middle door being nearly two rods 
north of the south entrance to the Park. It was about 
sixty-five feet long, and forty-eight broad, with a square 
tower projecting half its depth in front, which was sur- 
mounted by an open belfry and a turret. It was clap- 
boarded, and painted white. The plan of the house was 
drawn by a Mr. Harrison, of Paris Hill, and it was 
erected partly under his supervision. During the first 
summer and fall the building was enclosed, the floor 
laid, and some temporary seats made. Here the work 
rested for a time, and the house was used for public wor- 
ship in its unfinished state, until the summer of 1801. 
On its completion this year, the pews were sold at public 

1 That school-house was removed a few years afterwards, to make way for 
a brick one, and now stands on the north side of Kellogg Street, and is occu- 
pied by James Hughes as a Celtic boarding-house. 



96 HISTORY OF THE TO WN OF KIRKLAND. 

auction, one pew near the pulpit being reserved for aged 
and deaf persons, and another for the family of the 
pastor. 

The first bell was hung in the belfry, August, 1804. 
It was cast in this village by Captain Timothy Barnes, 
its weight being eight hundred pounds ; but owing to 
some defect in the casting it was soon broken. It was 
then taken down and carried to Troy, and re-cast, with 
some addition to its weight. The bell then and thus 
made has been in use until the present time. It is the 
one now in the belfry of the Stone church. 1 

The Meeting-House was never dedicated by formal 
religious ceremonies. It began to be used for divine 
service before it was finished, and was used in this way 
so long that when completed it was not thought needful 
or advisable to set it apart by any special observances. 
Many devout persons maintained that the presence of 
God had already consecrated it. 

There are some now living to whom it will be unneces- 
sary for me to describe this old Meeting-House. They 
will remember its three uncarpeted aisles ; its square, 
high-back pews, painted blue without and unpainted 
within ; the large, monumental-shaped stove standing in 
an open space near the middle door ; the lofty pulpit, 
with its modest show of carved work and tracery, its 
hangings of faded crimson, and the large windows in the 
rear shaded by Venetian blinds ; the pillars supporting 
the gallery and the arched ceiling ; the high " Blue Pew" 

1 A church building had been erected by the Congregational Society, of New 
Hartford, in 1793. The steeple was not built, however, nor was it otherwise 
finished until the year 1796. It must have been staunchly consh-ucted, for it 
still stands, and with its frequent repairs, presents a very respectable appear- 
ance.. As the oldest church edifice in this county, it is w T orthy of distin- 
guished consideration. 



STONE CHURCH BUILT. 97 

over the orchestra in the gallery ; and the Negro Pew 
on the east side of it. Nor will they fail to see the 
reverend pastor walking up the middle aisle, bowing 
gravely and graciously, right and left, to his people in 
their seats. And then — to pass outside — who that ever 
saw the stately old building, can forget its pale-green 
doors, with their large handles and latches of wrought 
iron ; the lightning-rod dangling upon the western side of 
the tower ; the pagoda-like turret above the bell-deck, 
and the bell itself, swinging in its open chamber, and 
telling daily to the surrounding inhabitants the hours of 
nine in the morning, twelve at noon, and nine at night ; 
and the gilded letters at the top of the turret marking the 
four cardinal points ; and the ball and weathercock and 
star surmounting the whole ? 

In the year 1833, this venerable structure having be- 
come somewhat decayed, and in its style of architecture 
out of keeping with the improvements of the age, and 
occupying a site which was considered unsuitable, it was 
resolved to remove it and to erect a new church. The 
present stone edifice was built in the years 1835 and 1836, 
at a cost of about $8000, and on its completion, the old 
meeting-house was torn down. A portion of the frame- 
work of the old church was used in building the present 
district school-house on the east side of the village 
' Park. 1 

1 The masonry of the Stone Church was done by Mr. Charles Wilcox, and 
the carpentry by Richard Hardell. The lightning-rod, gilt ball, weathercock, 
and star, were with the bell, transferred from the old church to the new. 

In the year 18G9, by the aid of Mr. Gaius Butler, the venerable surveyor, I 
ascertained the site' of the northwest corner of the old church, and the centre 
of its front middle door, and drove down red cedar stakes at each point. The top 
of each stake can now be seen, just even with the surface of the ground. Mr. 
Butler's note-book says: "The bearing of the northwest corner of the old 
7 



98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

The pastorate of Rev. Dr. Norton extended through 
a period of forty years. These were, for the most part, 
years of general prosperity in the church and the 
community. During the later portion of his ministry, 
however, the /introduction of what were styled " new 
measures," in connection with the preaching of Rev. 
Mr. Finney and others, gave great anxiety to the cau- 
tious pastor, and finally hastened his resignation. Yet 
this did not essentially mar the purity and peace of the 
church, nor check its growth. Dr. Norton gave up his 
ministerial charge in the year 1833. 

The stated pastors of this congregation from that time 
until the present, have been as follows: Rev. Moses Chase, 
from July, 1835, to January, 1839 ; Rev. Wayne Gridley, 
from February, 1840, to February, 1845 ; Rev. Robert 
G. Vermilye, D. D., from June, 1846, to October, 1857 ; 
Rev. E. Y. Swift, from January, 1858, to May, 1862 ; 
Rev. Albert Erdman, from March, 1864, to February, 
1869 ; he being succeeded by Rev. Thomas B. Hudson, 
D.D., in October, 1869. 

This church was originally constituted with the Con- 
gregational form of government ; but after adhering to 
this polity for upwards of seventy years, it was found 
expedient to change it for the Presbyterian. And for 
the following reasons : First and fundamentally, it was 
assumed that the Presbyterian form of government was 
at least no less closely conformed to the principles set 
forth in the New Testament, than the Congregational. 
It was found also that the Congregational churches of 
this region were becoming feebler ; that the Oneida As- 
sociation, with which this church was connected, had no 

meeting-house from the northeast corner of the Mills' Block, is S. 36° E. ; 
distance, 3 chains and 8 links." 



RULING ELDERS. 99 

other settled pastor within its bounds, and that its meet- 
ings were often held at quite a distance from Clinton : 
while, on the other hand, this church was surrounded by 
numerous and thriving Presbyterian churches, and was 
within easy reach of the stated meetings of Utica Pres- 
bytery. The relations of the college in Clinton to the 
Presbyterian Church, had also some influence in deter- 
mining this change. This transfer of ecclesiastical rela- 
tion was consummated in the year 1864. The Creed and 
Covenant of the church remained substantially the same 
as they were from the beginning. 

The following persons have been elected to the office 
of Ruling Elder : — 

Henry P. Bristol . . . Elected 1864. 

James S. Cook . . . Elected 1864. 

George K. Eells . . . Elected 1864. 

Frederick M. Barrows . Elected 1864. 

Horace M. Paine . . . Elected 1864. 

Lathrop Brockway . . Elected 1864. 
John C. Gallup .... Elected 1864. 

Roselle L. Nichols . . Elected 1864. 
Josiah L. Cook .... Elected 1864. 

Edward North . . . Elected 1865. 

A. Delos Gridley . . . Elected 1865. 

Joseph S. Avery . . . Elected 1866. 

Hamilton Brownell . . . Elected 1869. 

In the year 1850, the parsonage on College Street was 
built, and the church edifice internally remodeled. In 
1869, the church was painted and frescoed, and its win- 
dows embellished with stained glass. At the same time, 
also, the chapel was built in the rear of the church. 



100 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

THE REV. ASAHEL S. NORTON, D. D. 

In concluding this history of the oldest religious organ- 
ization in the town of Kirkland, I think it not inappro- 
priate to give a brief sketch of the life and character of 
its first pastor, the Rev. Dr. Norton, who held a conspic- 
uous position here for nearly half a century, and who was 
held in the highest respect and veneration by all who 
knew him. 

Mr. Norton was born in Farmington, Conn., Sep- 
tember 20, 1765. His ancestry was highly respectable, 
and his father served as a colonel in the war of the Rev- 
olution. His studies preparatory to entering college 
were pursued under the care of the Rev. Dr. Perkins, of 
West Hartford. He was graduated from Yale .College 
in the year 1790, bearing off the highest honors of his 
class. 

During his Senior year he experienced a change of 
religious character, and resolved to devote himself to the 
work of the christian ministry. His theological studies 
were pursued under the direction partly of Rev. Mr. 
Strong, of Haddam, and partly of Rev. Mr. Smalley, of 
Berlin. In the year 1792, he was licensed to preach the 
gospel by the Congregational Association of Hartford 
County. As we have already seen, he was invited to be- 
gin his public ministry in Clinton, March 25, 1793. A 
quiet and unassuming man, he yet addressed himself to 
his chosen work with great earnestness and vigor. Nor 
were his labors in vain. His congregation steadily in- 
creased until it became one of the most efficient and flour- 
ishing societies in central New York. He preached up- 
wards of three thousand sermons during his ministry, 
•more than half of which were written out in full. In 



REV. DR. NORTON. 101 

November, 1833, he was dismissed from his charge at his 
own request. He retired with the most dignified and 
christian spirit, and contrary to the wishes of a consider- 
able portion of his congregation. 

Released from professional duties, he afterwards de- 
voted himself almost wholly to the care of his farm on 
which he had resided for many years. He continued to 
cherish a warm attachment for the people of his late 
charge, uniting with the pastors who succeeded him in 
the administration of the Lord's Supper, baptizing the 
children of parents whom he had baptized in their in- 
fancy, and attending funerals, until he at length followed 
to the grave the last of those who composed the church 
at the time of his ordination. 

Dr. Norton was one of the founders of Hamilton Col- 
lege, and was appointed to deliver the Latin Address at 
the inauguration of President Backus. He was a trustee 
of the college from its establishment in 1812, to the year 
1833, and he was deeply interested in its welfare as long 
as he lived. 

During the years 1852-53, he was subject to the at- 
tacks of a disease which slowly reduced his strength and 
finally terminated his life. The manner of his dying was 
such as could have been desired for him. He passed 
away without any apparent bodily distress, calmly trust- 
ing in the Saviour, and cheered by those consolations 
which for so long a time he had ministered to others. 
He died May 10, 1853, aged eighty-seven years. His 
funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. Robert G. 
Vermilye, D. D., one of his successors in the pastoral 
office at Clinton. 

If now, in addition to this general outline, I may 
attempt a more minute and full portrait of this venerable 
man, the lines will be drawn somewhat as follows : — 



102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

In person, Dr. Norton was of medium stature and well 
proportioned. His complexion was dark, his eyes and 
hair black,, his voice rich and melodious. Quick in his 
movements, he was yet dignified and graceful ; self- 
respectful, yet courteous, and possessing in all respects 
the manners of a true gentleman. To some he may 
have seemed a little reserved in his demeanor, — for he 
seldom unbent himself in general society, — but this was 
only in appearance, and did not proceed from coldness of 
feeling, but rather from a shrinking modesty, and a high 
sense of the dignity and sacredness of his office as a Chris- 
tian minister. 

In the early years of his professional life, his health 
was quite delicate, — so much so that his friends thought 
him verging to a decline, — but by much exercise out of 
doors, in walking and in farm-work and riding on horse- 
back, he became more vigorous, and enjoyed firm health 
unto a good old age. As he was somewhat noted for his 
pedestrianism, I once asked him how he came to adopt 
the practice. " Shortly after I began preaching," he 
replied, " I was reading a volume of travels in Italy, in 
which the writer said that while sojourning in Rome, he 
noticed several Catholic priests walking out daily into 
the suburbs of the city to a certain mile-stone, and then 
returning. They told him that this had been their 
practice for many years, and that they were largely 
indebted to it for their robust health. It occurred to me 
at once," said Dr. Norton, " that the regimen which had 
proved so beneficial to a Catholic, might be equally good 
for a Protestant. I have tried it and found it of most 
excellent service." He is known to have walked from 
Clinton to Paris Hill, a distance of five miles from his 
house, to fulfill an appointment to preach. He uniformly 



DR. NORTON'S INTELLECTUAL PO WERS. 103 

walked to the church, a mile and more, to attend his 
Sabbath evening lecture. He did this from choice, walk- 
ing while his horse stood idle in his stable. I met him 
one summer morning at his physician's door, after he 
had become quite aged, and remarking that he looked 
somewhat feeble, he replied that he had not been well 
for a few days past, and thought he would come over and 
get a little medicine. His cane and dusty shoes showed 
that he had walked a mile to see his doctor. 

In accordance with the usage of that day, Dr. Norton 
purchased a farm, in the early part of his ministry, on 
which he labored as opportunity permitted, and the 
produce of which helped to make up the deficiencies of 
his salary. He was much interested in the introduction 
of new and improved varieties of grains and of fruits. 
Whenever he visited New England, he came back with 
new seeds and scions, and then went about among his 
people teaching them the art of engrafting. It is be- 
lieved that he first gave that impulse to pomology in 
this region, which has made Oneida County so preeminent 
in this State for its fruit-culture. 

Turning now to the intellectual endowments of Dr. 
Norton, it may be said that though they were not of a 
superior order, they were yet quite respectable, and were 
happily developed by liberal studies. His mind was 
not distinctively philosophical and profound, yet he 
could analyze and present the argument of any chosen 
subject with much perspicuity and force. He was clear 
in his perceptions and calm and accurate in his reason- 
ings. He did not possess large gifts of imagination and 
fancy, yet, when the occasion required, he could adorn 
his speech with the graces of a finished rhetoric. The 
beauty of his mind lay in the symmetry and harmony 



104 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRK LAND. 

of its parts, and in its uniform and well-ordered manner 
of working. 

Of his moral and religious character, it is not too 
much to say that he lived above reproach, and happily 
exemplified the graces of a sincere piety. He was a 
man of singular modesty and humility. So marked 
were his simplicity and purity that even his enemies 
acknowledged in him an Israelite without guile. He 
was particularly careful in the use of his tongue. He 
seldom spoke in disparagement of others. His chris- 
tian character exhibited itself chiefly in the form of 
high religious principle. Christ was the sole foundation 
of his hope, and he felt sure that it was a firm founda- 
tion. 

His character as a preacher may be inferred from what 
has already been said of him in other respects. His 
voice was not powerful, nor was his action bold and strik- 
ing. There was nothing in his elocution to attract 
attention to itself. His manner was simple, easy, dig- 
nified, impressive. His style as a writer corresponded 
with his manner as a speaker. It was marked by purity 
and correctness. If it was formed upon any model, it 
was the Addisonian. Often, it was enlivened by figures 
of speech; it was sometimes enriched by classical allu- 
sions ; sometimes it rose to lofty eloquence ; but its 
leading characteristic was elegant simplicity. He was 
a sober man, and he aimed to present sober views of all 
subjects. If he did not startle his hearers, he seldom 
failed to interest and instruct them. 1 His theology was 

1 He was very studious of the proprieties of time and place, almost fastid- 
iously so/ It could never have happened for him to recite his text, as a very 
spare clergyman once did his, without first giving the chapter and verse, but 
exclaiming, "My leanness, my leanness, woe is unto me! " Nor as a broad- 
girthed minister once did his, by announcing, without preface : "If any other 



DR. NORTON AS A PREACHER. 105 

Calvinism as expounded by Edwards and Bellamy. He 
was a doctrinal preacher, yet truly practical. He had 
no hobbies — his whole nature forbade it — but he aimed 
to hold and to present a just and rounded view of all 
Scriptural truth. As a pastor, he was systematic and 
faithful in visiting his people from house to house. 

From this view of his life and character, it is not 
surprising that his ministry was a successful one. There 
was a steady accession to his church from the beginning 
to the close of his pastorate. 

Dr. Norton's only publication was an Historical Ser- 
mon, and this he suffered to be printed with great reluc- 
tance. His low opinion of his own productions and his 
exceeding sensitiveness to criticism led him to decline 
many requests for the publication of discourses and 
addresses. After preaching the historical sermon above 
alluded to, on a Thanksgiving Day, a leading member 
of his church (Dr. Seth Hastings) rose and moved that, 
as the sermon contained important historical facts, as 
well as useful moral reflections, a copy be requested for 
publication. The vote was unanimous. While this 
gentleman was putting the motion, Dr. Norton was so 
embarrassed and overcome that he got up, seized his 
manuscript, and hurried out of doors bare-headed, for- 
getting his hat until he was in the open air. After much 
entreaty, he consented to the publication ; but as it was 
the first, so also was it the last. 

After resigning his pastoral charge, he still maintained 
his habits of bodily and intellectual activity. His eye 
and his hand were busy in orchard, garden, and field. 
Even to his old age he was a great walker, walking a 

man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more." Ho 
certainly would not have omitted the precautionary formula. 



106 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

mile and more to the post-office and the church, and for 
social engagements. In his eighty-fifth year, he was 
seen at the top of one of his apple-trees, gathering the 
ruddy fruit he loved so well. He continued also his 
scholarly habits. His library was his favorite resort, and 
theology his favorite study. He kept himself abreast 
with the science and literature and general news of the 
day. When his eyesight failed, some member of his 
household read aloud to him. The people of his late 
charge made a special visit to him every winter, bringing 
with them substantial tokens of their regard. At these 
gatherings he was wont to make a short address ; some- 
times recalling the history of his connection with the 
people of this town ; sometimes exhorting them to in- 
creased activity in religious duty ; and always assuring 
them of his love for the church and his desire for their 
temporal and spiritual welfare. And so his later years 
passed away, cheered by the recollection of a long life of 
usefulness, and by the hope of an endless life in heaven. 1 

1 The following sketch of Rev. Wayne Gridley (the only deceased pastor 
since Dr. Norton) was prepared by Professor Edward North, Necrologist of the 
Society of Hamilton Alumni, and is inserted here by request: — 

" Rev. Wayne Gridley, the oldest son of Deacon Orrin Gridley, fur many 
years a prominent citizen of Clinton, and long a Trustee of Hamilton College, 
was born in Clinton, November 12, 1811. At the age of twenty he was received 
into the Congregational church. At the graduation of his class from Hamilton 
College in 1836, he pronounced the Valedictory oration. He completed his 
theological studies at Andover; and, in accordance with a long-cherished pur- 
pose, was ordained in Clinton, as a Foreign Missionary, September 25, 1839. He 
was kept from his field of missionary labors by the financial embarrassments 
of the American Board, and on the 26th of February, 1840, was installed as 
pastor of the Congregational church in Clinton. Here he labored faithfully 
and with great success for five years. During his brief pastorate, one hundred 
and five were added to the church. In 18-15 he was compelled by tailing health 
to give up the duties of the ministry. A year of foreign travel checked the prog- 
ress of his disease only for a time. After struggling for a year with increasing 
infirmities, he died in Clinton, November 23, 18-46. 

He was married to a daughter of Dr. Seth Hastings, of Clinton, and was the 
father of a daughter who still lives."* 



THE METHODIST CHURCH. 107 

II. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 1 

The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Clinton cannot be traced previously to the year 1818. 
Early in that year a " Class " was organized, consisting 
of Mr. and Mrs. John Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Walter 
Gillespie, and Mrs. Triphena Butler, who resided in 
the village, together with several persons living in the 
vicinity. This " Class " belonged to what was known 
as the Westmoreland Circuit, which included Augusta, 
Vernon, Verona, Paris Hill, Marshall, and Westmore- 
land. At that time there was no Methodist preaching 
in this village. There was a regular service, however, 
at Mr. Butler's, two miles distant, on the hill road to 
New Hartford, and at Malachi Barker's and Mr. Ely's, 
four miles south of the village. In the summer of 1819, 
preaching was established on a week day, in the village, 
at the residence of John B. Gregory, where it was con- 
tinued for eight years. There was occasional service 
in the school-house at the foot of College Hill, and at 
Clinton Factory, when about thirty were converted in 

one revival. 

In the year 1831, Dr. Joseph Cornell became a resident 
of this town, and proved a valuable addition to the little 
society. Meetings were now held in the school-house, 
and shortly after in the session, room of the Congrega- 
tional church. About this time a site for a church edi- 
fice was purchased by Dr. Cornell and Mr. Gillespie, for 
$1500. A subscription of 1800 was secured, but very 
much less than that amount was realized from it. The 
enterprise would have failed had not Father Gillespie 

i This paper was prepared by the Rev. M. G. Bullock, pastor of said church 
from April, 1870, to April, 1873. 



108 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

assumed the responsibility, and by his personal efforts 
and sacrifices completed the building. It was dedicated 
in 1842, by Rev. Zachariah Paddock, presiding elder of 
the district. At this time the society, owing to removals 
and deaths, numbered only thirty members. Rev. John 
H. Hall became pastor in 1842, remaining two years. 
He was followed by Rev. S. G. Lathrop, Rev. William 
Loomis and Rev. A. J. Dana. Under Mr. Dana's pas- 
torate, a successful effort was made to free the church 
from debt. In 1849-50, Rev. Richard Cooke's labors 
were blessed with a gracious revival, some fruit of which 
yet remains. Mr. Cooke was a very energetic man, and 
through his efforts the church edifice was thoroughly re- 
paired. 

A parsonage was purchased in 1858, situated on Col- 
lege Street, which was afterwards sold and one obtained 
on Fountain Street. Rev. S. Stocking was instrumental 
in this good work. Rev. D wight Williams was appointed 
pastor at the Conference which met in the spring of 1864, 
and remained in charge for the following three years. 
Mr. Williams was very successful in winning the affec- 
tions of the people of all denominations, and his earnest 
but quiet labors did much to prepare the way for the 
revival that soon followed. Mr. Williams was a preacher 
of fine talents, and had also more than ordinary ability 
as an amateur poet. 

Rev. M. S. Hard succeeded Mr. Williams, in April, 
1867. At that time the church edifice was very much 
in need of repair, and the time had evidently come for 
the Society to put on new strength, and take a higher 
position. Mr. Hard was the right man for the emer- 
gency, and under his energetic leadership the church 
was enlarged at an expense of $5600. It was dedicated 



THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 109 

January 8, 1868. Soon after, a very precious work of 
grace began, which extended to the other churches. The 
membership of the Society was almost if not quite 
doubled, and Methodism took a better position. A new 
parsonage was built in 1868, adjoining the old one on 
Fountain Street. Mr. Hard was very popular as a pas- 
tor, and was favored with abundant success. 

In April, 1870, Rev. M. G. Bullock became pastor, 
and held this office for three years. Successful efforts 
have lately been made to free the church and parsonage 
property from all debts. The present membership of 
the church is one hundred and forty. 

The following is a list of the several pastors of the 
church since its organization : — 

John G. Hall, 1842-43 ; S. G. Lathrop, 1844 ; William 
Loomis, 1845 ; A. J. Dana, 1846 ; H. F. Rowe, 184T-48 ; 
Richard Cooke, 1849-50 ; L. H. Stanley, 1851 ; S. 
Stocking, 1852-53 ; L. Bowdish, 1854-55 ; John H. Hall, 
1856-57 ; T. Pilkinton, 1858 ; T. J. Bissell, 1859-60 ; 
William N. Cobb, 1861-62; M. G. Wadsworth, 1863; 
D wight Williams, 1864-66 ; M. S. Hard, 1867-69 ; M. 
G. Bullock, 1870-72. 

Rev. Orlando C. Cole was appointed the minister of 
this congregation, April, 1873. 

in. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 1 

The present Universalist Society in Clinton, was origi- 
nally a part of the Universalist Society of New Hartford. 
This latter society, established in 1805, mainly through 
the labors of Rev. N. Stacey, included in its membership 
the believers in universal salvation residing in all the re- 

1 This historical sketch was prepared by Kev. William P. Payne, pastor of 
the society from September, 18G3, to July, 1871. 



110 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

gion round about, to the distance of eight or ten miles. 
Several of the most influential and devoted supporters of 
the society lived in or near Clinton. This fact secured 
at an early day in this village occasional services. In the 
autumn of 1818, under the direction of Stephen R. 
Smith, then pastor of the New Hartford Society, these- 
meetings assumed a much more permanent character. 
Under the earnest labors of Mr. Smith, the Clinton 
branch society grew rapidly in numbers and interest. So 
much so, that in 1821 it assumed an independent exist- 
ence ; and through the commendable sacrifices of many, 
but principally through the large liberality of Joseph 
Stebbins, Esq., was enabled to erect its first church edifice, 
at a cost of about §2500. It was built of brick, fifty- 
two feet by forty ; and, when completed, was doubtless 
the comeliest house of worship belonging to the denomi- 
nation in the State of New York. It still stands on Utica 
Street, though now used for secular purposes. 

Though always in reality a Universalist Society, the 
church when built was designated a Free Church, and 
the society worshipping in it as the Free Church Society 
of Clinton. By articles of compact and the title of the 
ground on which it stood, the church was free for the oc- 
cupation of all christian sects, when not in use by its act- 
ual proprietors. At first, it was so occupied, to some 
extent, by the Methodists and Baptists of this town. 1 
The society maintained this unsectarian character with 

1 Mr. Gaius Butler informs me that the brick-work of this church W8S built 
by Harry Butler. It was understood at the time that the Methodists were to 
have a certain share in the use of the house. Nathaniel Butler, father of the 
builder, and a devout Methodist, selected the Scriptural motto carved on the 
marble tablet inserted in the front wall of the church, which was understood by 
some to favor, by a double reading, the distinctive views of both the Metho- 
dists and Universalists. This motto, takenj'rom the Acts of the Apostles x. 
34, is, " Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God 
is no respecter of persons," etc. A. D. C. 



UNIVERSALIST MINISTERS. Ill 

varying fortunes until June, 1831, when it assumed, by 
legal process, the name and title of the First Universalist 
Society of Clinton. From this date until the present 
time, the society has had an uninterrupted existence, and 
preserved its denominational name and character. 

The society has had but four settlements that have 
been of any considerable permanence. These have been 
the pastorates of Rev. Stephen R. Smith, Dr. Timothy 
Clowes, Rev. T. J. Sawyer, D. D., and Rev. W. P. Payne 
Mr. Smith's settlement began in November, 1821, and 
continued till September, 1837, with the exception of an 
interval of three years, from 1825 to 1828, which he 
spent in Philadelphia, and during which the society was 
without a pastor. He was the founder of the society, and 
his name is held in grateful remembrance. Dr. Clowes, 
in connection with his labors as Principal of Clinton Lib- 
eral Institute, succeeded him, and remained four or five 
years. Dr. Sawyer, while in charge of the Institute and 
of the theological school in connection Avith it, preached 
for the society most of the time from 1845 to 1852, and 
again from 1861 to 1863. Reverends M. B. Smith, H. 
B. Soule, D. S. Morey, H. C. Vose, J. A. Aspinwall, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, have had brief settlements. Dr. 
Dolphus Skinner, and Rev. C. C. Gordon have preached 
for the society for considerable periods, though residing 
in Utica. 

Rev. William P. Payne took charge of the society in 
September, 1863. During the last five years the society 
has manifested new life, and with the aid of denomina- 
tional friends throughout the State, and of the Oeneral 
Convention of Universalists, has erected a new, commo- 
dious and beautiful church on Williams Street, a credit 
to the people who carried forward the work, and an 
ornament to the village in which it is located. Its 



112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

value, with the grounds, is about $18,000. Its style is 
Romanesque, it has three hundred and fifty sittings, is 
provided with a superior organ, and is appropriately 
furnished throughout. Its architect was H. N. White, 
of Syracuse, and its builders Piatt & Osborn, of Clinton. 
The corner-stone was laid with fitting ceremony, June 
. 29, 1869, and the work was completed in the autumn 
of 1870. On Sunday, October 9, 1870, the society, with 
appropriate services, took leave of their old church, dedi- 
cated the new one on October 12th, and enjoyed Sab- 
bath worship therein for the first time, October 16th. 
At the present time the prospects of the parish are 
encouraging, more so perhaps than ever before. Rev. 
Mr. Payne resigned his office July, 1871. The present 
minister, Rev. W. R. Chamberlain, commenced his ser- 
vices in October, 1872. 

IV. THE COLLEGE CHURCH. 

The church in Hamilton College was organized April 
20, 1825, with the Presbyterian form of government. It 
was maintained in all its functions until the year 1831, 
when, owing to the depressed condition of the college, it 
was disbanded. 

In December, 1861, it was reestablished, and since then 
it has been quite prosperous. When reorganized, it was 
thought expedient to modify the conditions of membership, 
so as to allow of the admission of christians of all evan- 
gelical denominations. The pastor of the college is ex- 
officio pastor of this church. The elders are six in number, 
and are chosen one from each of the college classes, and 
two from the faculty. Their term of service is two years. 
In October, 1862, this church was received into the fellow- 
ship of the Presbytery of Utica, to which ecclesiastical 
body it still belongs, and sends regular delegates. 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 113 

V. THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 

On the 16th day of August, 1831, a few Baptist 
brethren met at the house of Mr. Clark Wood, in Clin- 
ton, to consider the expediency of organizing a church 
of their distinctive faith. After a prolonged and prayer- 
ful consultation, a committee of five was appointed to 
draft Articles of Faith and Practice for such a church. 
At their next meeting, August 25, said Articles were 
adopted and subscribed to by all present. Arrangements 
were then made, also, for a final organization of the 
church. 

On the 21st of September, 1831, delegates, invited and 
appointed from a number of neighboring churches, con- 
vened in the Brick Meeting-house of this place, and 
organized the new church, to be known as the Baptist 
Church of Christ in Clinton. 

The following are the names of the members of said 
church of seventeen members : John H. Parmele, John 
Foot, Jr., William H. Hubbard, and Emily his wife, 
Clark Wood, and Amanda his wife, Lewis M. Wood, 
and Adaline his wife, Simeon Russell, and Asenath his 
wife, William S. Richmond, and Nancy his wife, Phineas 
Smith, Samuel L. Hubbard, Eunice Ann Parmele, Eve- 
line Edwards, Susan Nichols, Mary Ann Nichols, Lucinda 
Nichols. 

A desire was soon felt of having a Meeting-house, and 
accordingly the present site was purchased, and a build- 
ing commenced. The edifice was finished at a cost of 
12,000, and dedicated November 9, 1832. The ser- 
mon on the day of dedication was preached by Rev. 

1 This historical sketch was prepared by Rev. C H. Johnson, pastor of said 
church frcm 1867 to 1872. 
8 



114 V HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIBKLAND. 

Nathaniel Kendrick, D. D., of Hamilton, from the text, 
Psalm xxvii. 4. 

The first minister was Rev. Daniel Putnam, who com- 
menced his labors May 27, 1832, and closed them Dec. 
15, 1833. During his ministry eleven persons were 
received by baptism, and twenty-three by letter. In 
June, 1833, a Sunday-school was established ; and on 
September 4, of the same year the church was admitted 
to the Oneida Baptist Association. 

The second pastor of the Baptist Church was Rev. J. 
P. Simmons, who entered upon his work January 1, 1834, 
and retired February 8, 1835. During his ministry here 
twenty-four were received by baptism, and twenty-two 
by letter. Rev. P. P. Brown began preaching here April 
4, 1835, and ended his labors in September of the same 
year. He received three members by baptism, and eight 
by letter. 

For the next year and longer, the pulpit was supplied 
by several preachers. Among them was Rev. Mr. 
Wheeler, of Madison University. 

Rev. Reuben P. Lamb was installed pastor December 
4, 1836, and served until September 29, 1838. He re- 
ceived forty-three persons into membership by baptism, 
and twelve by letter. Rev. William Thompson preached 
here from March 2, 1839, to March, 1840. He added to 
the membership three by baptism, and eleven by letter. 
Rev. Horace Jones preached from June, 1840, to Decem- 
ber of the same year. Rev. A. H. Stowell, from Decem- 
ber 5, 1840, to April 3, 1841. Rev. J. Corwin, from 
February 5, 1842, to December 1, 1844. Rev. A. Ken- 
yon, from December 1, 1844, to December 1, 1847. 
Rev. Harry White, from September 5, 1847, to May, 
1849. Rev. Hiram Main, from September 1, 1849, to 



CHURCH AT MANCHESTER. . 115 

August 31, 1850. Rev. Dennison Alcott, from October 
5, 1850, to July 31, 1852. Rev. Carlos Swift, from Feb- 
ruary 5, 1853, to March 15, 1856. During Mr. Swift's 
ministry, the Meeting-house was repaired at a cost of 
$367.54. In June, 1857, Rev. John G. Stearns became 
pastor, and served until October l x 1862. From this 
time onward, for several years, the church became so re- 
duced in numbers and strength, as to be unable to em- 
ploy a settled pastor. Occasional supplies were obtained 
as follows: Rev. L. D. Gal pin, from October, 1862, to 
March, 1863, and Rev. William A. Wells, from April, 
1863, to October, 1864. 

From October 2, 1864, to December 1, 1865, the Meet- 
ing-house was closed. On the first Sunday in December, 
1865, Rev. Charles H. Johnson commenced preaching 
here, and served till October, 1866. From that time till 
November, 1867, the pulpit was filled by various preach- 
ers. Rev. C. H. Johnson resumed his labors here, No- 
vember 1, 1867, and served until January 1, 1872. Dur- 
ing his ministry he received eighty-one members by 
baptism, and thirty-two by letter ; eight also were re- 
stored. The house of worship was remodeled and much 
improved, at a cost of $6500. At the time of his 
resignation the members numbered one hundred and 
thirty-one. The present pastor, Rev. C. H. Ayers, was 
installed April 1, 1872. The actual membership of the 
church at present (1873), is about one hundred. 

VI. THE MANCHESTER CHURCH. 

In the year 1816, the cotton factory was built at Man- 
chester, under the superintendence of Mr. Warren Con- 
verse, who was also the general agent of the factory for 
many years afterward. The following year, in cooperation 



116 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

with a few others, Mr. Converse established a Sabbath- 
school, chiefly for the benefit of the children and youth 
connected with the mill. Shortly after this, provision 
was made for holding religious meetings in the bvick 
school-house. Occasionally, also, ministers of different 
denominations held preaching services in the same build- 
in c ". 

In the year 1834, the present house of worship was 
built ; it was dedicated early in the ensuing year. A Con- 
gregational church was organized at the same time, and the 
Rev. Dr. Norton, formerly of the Congregational church 
at Clinton, was, for a short period, its stated minister. The 
Rev. Seth Williston, D. D., succeeded Dr. Norton. After 
these, the pulpit was occupied for brief periods by Rev. 
Hiram H. Kellogg, Rev. Salmon Strong, Rev. Mr. Pratt, 
and Rev. Mr. Page. Rev. Samuel W. Raymond, who 
was the only settled pastor of this church, was installed 
in 1846, and continued in the service nearly five years. 
Since his resignation the church has had the ministrations 
of Rev. Benjamin W. Dwight, LL. D., Professor William 
S. Curtiss, D. D., Rev. Mr. Loomis, and Rev. John Bar- 
ton. Rev. James Dean, of Westmoreland, has been the 
stated supply of this church for the past five years. 

VII. SAINT MAEY'S (KOMAN CATHOLIC) CHUKCH. 

The records of this church were not kept with much 
care at the first, and consequently this sketch of its his- 
tory must be meagre and brief. 

Rev. William C. Coughlin made his first professional 
visit to Clinton January 6, 1851. He celebrated Mass 
at the house of Mr. John Reilly, January 14, 1851. 
The number of the congregation at that time was six- 
teen. 



EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 117 

The erection of Saint Mary's church edifice was begun 
in May, 1852. The building was finished and dedicated 
October 25, 1854, the Right Reverend John McClosky, 
Bishop of Albany, officiating. 

Rev. Edward Bayard succeeded Rev. Mr. Coughlin, 
in August, 1862, and remained one year. The Rev. 
P. O. Reilly succeeded him, and has remained pastor of 
the congregation until the present time. 

Within the few years past, the church edifice has been 
enlarged, and is now valued at about 812,000. The 
present congregation numbers about two thousand. The 
new parochial residence, on Marvin Street, was built 
under the care of Father O'Reilly, and cost, with the 
lot on which it stands, $15,000. 

VHI. SAINT JAMES' (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH. 1 

From the year 1841, Bishop De Lancey, when making 
visitations to parishes in adjacent towns, occasionally 
appointed and held services in Clinton. 

In the year 1854, a Sunday-school was organized, its 
meetings being held in the Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Regular services were maintained throughout the year 
1855, the Rev. William T. Gibson, D. D. (then rector 
of Grace Church, Waterville), officiating frequently. 
During this year, a melodeon, a set of prayer-books, and 
a Sunday-school library were obtained. 

In the year 1856, services were often held by the 
rector of St. Paul's Church, Paris Hill ; by the rector 
of Calvary Church, Utica ; the Rev. H. A. Neely (now 
Bishop of the diocese of Maine), and by the rector of 
Zion Church, Rome. 

1 This paper was furnished by the Rev. H. H. Loring, minister of this 
parish in 1873. 



118 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1EKLAND. 

In the year 1858, services here were discontinued, and 
not resumed until 1862. In January of this year, regu- 
lar services were commenced by the Rev. Henry Stanley, 
of Whitesboro', and were maintained chiefly by the 
clergy of the Oneida Convocation. At their solicitation, 
the use of the Masonic Hall (over Mr. Owston's ware- 
room) was secured. The Rev. C. W. Hays, of New 
Hartford, the Rev. Wm. Alger, of Paris Hill, Rev. 
W. T. Gibson, D. D., the Rev. Dr. Goodrich, and Dr. 
S. H. Coxe, of Utica, officiated at different times. At 
the end of this year, there were two male and eight or 
ten female communicants. In May of this year the 
parish was organized. 

The corner-stone of the present church edifice was 
laid on the fifth day of June, 1863, by the the Right 
Rev. William H. De Lancey, D. D. The building was 
not completed until March, 1865. On the 16th of 
March, the first service was held within its walls. 

The first rector of this church was the Rev. Mr. Saun- 
ders, who commenced his labors in February, 1863, and 
closed them in October of the same year. The second 
rector was the Rev. H. R. Pyne, his term of service 
beginning November 1, 1864, and ending April, 1866. 
The third rector was the Rev. I. B. Robinson, who came 
in May, 1866, and left in August, 1867. The Rev. 
R. A. Olin, then a deacon of the church, commenced 
his labors here July 19, 1868. In January of the year 
1869, the church edifice was consecrated by the Right 
Rev. F. D. Huntington, D. D. On the same day, follow- 
ing the consecration of the church, the minister in charge 
of the parish (the Rev. Mr. Olin) was advanced to the 
Priesthood by the Right Rev. Bishop present. The 
clergy in attendance from adjoining parishes, joined in 



EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 119 

the laying on of hands, according to the usage of this 
church. 

In January, 1872, the Rev. Mr. Olin resigned the 
rectorship of this parish. Since July, of the same year, 
the parish has been supplied by the Rev. H. H. Loring, 
of the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pa. 

The present church edifice, built in 1863-65, cost, with 
the lot on which it stands $7,000. The rectory ad- 
joining was built a few years afterward, and cost 
$3,000. The number of communicants in this church 
at the present time (1873), is sixty. 



CHAPTER V. 

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 
I. HAMILTON ONEIDA ACADEMY. 

In the biography of the missionary Kirkland, we find 
that as early as the year 1790, he was meditating a plan 
for the education of the Indian tribes of central New 
York. In the year 1792, he had matured his scheme so 
far as to include within it a system of primary schools 
for native children, and an Academy for English youth, 
together with a select number of older Indian boys from 
the various tribes of the Confederacy. Three of these 
primary schools were established, and continued in 
efficient operation for several years. For the convenience 
of both parties, he proposed to place his academy near 
what was then the boundary line between the white 
settlements and the Indian teri-itory. The project was 
well-approved everywhere, but perhaps it found its 
warmest friends among those intelligent families which 
had recently emigrated from New England an$ settled 
in the adjoining towns. 

Of the preliminary steps taken by Mr. Kirkland in 
procuring a charter for his academy and funds for its 
endowment, I have already sjDoken in the sketch of 
the missionary's life. The gifts of money to the acad- 
emy, at this time, were few and small ; the donations 
consisting partly in labor, and partly in materials for 
erecting the building. It was a period of comparative 



THE CORNER-STONE LAID. 121 

poverty, the inhabitants of this region being mostly 
young men without capital, and just beginning to earn a 
livelihood for themselves and their families. 1 

With such small resources at command, Mr. Kirkland 
and his friends commenced the erection of the academy. 
The place chosen for its site was about midway between 
the present South College and the chapel. Ground was 
broken and the foundation laid July 1, 1794. To give 
some degree of dignity and importance to the occasion, 
Mr Kirkland invited the Baron de Steuben to be present, 
and to officiate in the ceremony of laying the corner-stone. 
The brave old General was met on his arrival at Clinton 
by Captain George W. Kirkland, a son of the Dominie, 
and, at the head of a troop of horsemen, was escorted to 
the grounds of the new academy. Mrs. Eli Lucas, now 
living in Clinton, remembers seeing this rustic cavalcade 
(two or three daughters of Mr. Kirkland on horseback 
forming part of the company) sweep past her father's 
house and ascend College Hill. Just what the formali- 
ties of the occasion were, we are not informed ; but it is 
well known that Mr. Kirkland was highly gratified at 
seeing the corner-stone of his academy laid by one who 
had been a compatriot in arms with Hamilton, and whose 
services for the country entitled him to a lasting fame. 

The foundations having been laid and the frame put up, 
the work was suspended for lack of means to carry it 
further. The structure stood in this condition for nearly 
two years. Unbelieving mockers passing by called it 
" Kirkland's folly ; " the foxes burrowed in its founda- 
tions, the birds built their nests beneath its rafters, and 
the squirrels careering up and down the naked timbers, 
seemed to join in the general derision. But Mr. Kirk- 

1 See Appendix D. 



122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

land was not disheartened. After a short time he re- 
newed his efforts with fresh zeal, soliciting money and 
labor and materials with which to finish the building. 1 

He pressed others into the work of obtaining funds, 
among whom was Mr. Joel Bristol, who labored assidu- 
ously, and with such success that the means were secured 
•for inclosing the academy. Early in the year 1798, a 
large room in the second story on the south end, and two 
small rooms on the lower floor were finished, and the two 
front chimneys were built. The large room in the sec- 
ond story (called " the arched room ") was designed and 
used as a chapel. Here the work rested again for sev- 
eral years. But the men who had begun to build were 
resolved to finish. And so, from year to year the means 
were procured for going forward, until at length rooms 
enough were prepared to meet the wants of the institu- 
tion. The building was three stories in height, and ninety 
feet in length, by thirty-eight in width. Mr. Kirkland 
had the satisfaction of seeing his academy opened for 

1 As illustrating his persistency, and the generosity of the inhabitants of this 
town, take the following: Mr. Eli Bristol, who lived at the foot of College Hill, 
gave, at his solicitation, a lot of clap-boards which he had just procured for 
siding up his own house. Mr. Bristol then had a second lot sawed for himself, 
and stacked up in a kiln for drying. By accident the kiln took fire and the 
boards were lost, and so Mr. Bristol was obliged to resort to his woods and the 
saw-mill a third time before he could inclose his house. 

About the same time, also, occurred the following: As Mr. Kirkland was 
passing a house then in process of erection, just opposite the Clinton Grammar 
School, he called out to the owner: "Mr. Owens, I had a dream last night." 
"Pray, what did you dream? " said Owens. "I dreamed that you gave me 
those nice pine boards for the academy, and that I took them home in my 
cart." " Well," said Owens, " if you so dreamed, you must take them." The 
next day, as Mr. Kirkland was again passing, Owens saluted him and declared 
that a dream had also come to him. "What was it?" asked Mr Kirkland. 
" I'dreamed that I wanted your cart and two yoke of oxen to goto White^boro' 
for brick for my chimney, and that you let me have them." " Well," said his 
Reverence, " if you dreamed so, you must have them, but, dear me, don't ever 
dream again! " 



PRECEPTORS OF THE ACADEMY. 128 

pupils, its chairs of instruction filled by capable teachers, 
and scholars flocking to it from every quarter. 

It is often asked whether any Indian boys were edu- 
cated at this academy. During the year previous to the 
opening of the school, Mr. Kirkland brought to Clinton 
from Oneida several of the most promising Indian lads 
he could find, and, committing a part of them to the care 
of Mr. Eli Bristol, kept the others in his own family. He 
clothed them in such garments as were usually worn by 
white boys, and sought to have them instructed in the ru- 
diments of an English education, and trained to civilized 
manners and habits. But they soon became restless 
under these restraints. They did not like white people's 
clothes, nor the confinement of white people's houses, and 
they hated white people's books and ways. They liked 
better to roam half-naked in the woods and fields, whoop- 
ins; and hunting and fishing. And so it turned out that 

o o o 

by the end of the first year, it was found necessary to let 
them return to their old haunts at Oneida. 

Of the native children taught in the primary schools 
here and elsewhere, I cannot learn that any entered this 
academy. 

The first principal of the school was Mr. John Niles, a 
graduate of Yale College in the year 1797. He held 
this position three years, when his failing health com- 
pelled him to change his employment. Subsequently he 
became a clergyman, and removed to Bath, Steuben 
County. He died in the year 1812. 

Rev. James Murdock was associated with Mr. Niles 
during one year of his preceptorship. Studying theology 
with Rev. Dr. Norton, of Clinton, he afterwards became 
a Professor of Languages in the University of Vermont, 
and of Church History in Andover Theological Seminary. 



124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

He was a man of studious habits and sound learning. 
His translation of Mosheim's " Ecclesiastical History " 
will long remain a monument to his industry and exact 
scholarship. 

In September, 1801, Rev. Robert Porter became the 
principal of the academy. A graduate of Yale, he had 
been serving for some time as a home missionary among 
the feeble settlements along the Black River in this 
State. In his new field he worked successfully four years. 
He then joined a colony which was about to establish the 
town of Prattsburgh, in this State. His subsequent life 
was one of much practical usefulness. He died in the 
year 1847. 

In the autumn of 1805, Mr. Seth Norton, brother of 
Rev. Dr. Norton, became principal. With the exception 
of a single year spent in New Haven as tutor, he held his 
post as preceptor of this academy until the year 1812, 
when the institution was raised to the rank of a college ; 
at that time he was appointed Professor of Languages. 

Mr. Norton was a man of considerable mental force 
and weight of character. His personal appearance was 
not pleasing, for his complexion was dark, his eyes blue, 
his manners jerky, and his speech rapid and abrupt. 
Yet he was a thorough scholar, and made his pupils thor- 
ough and accurate, and he inspired them with a love of 
study. He was particularly fond of music, and was him- 
self a superior singer. For many years he was the chor- 
ister of the village church. Both the words and the 
music of the familiar tune " Devonshire," beginning — 

"Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim," 

were composed by him. For many years he was com- 
pelled to struggle with infirm health. He died in De- 



HAMILTON COLLEGE. 125 

cember, 1818, the first year of his married life. His 
remains were deposited in the College Cemetery. 

II. HAMILTON COLLEGE. 

This institution has been closely identified from the 
first with the growth and prosperity of the town of Kirk- 
land. It originated here. From its feeble beginnings 
until the present time, it has been fostered by the labors, 
sacrifices and pecuniary gifts of the inhabitants. It has 
also been the benefactor of the town. It has enhanced 
the value of real estate, and increased the business of the 
place. It has drawn hither a respectable class of inhab- 
itants, and improved the tone of society. It has afforded 
facilities for the education of the young, and induced 
many to acquire a thorough classical training who would 
otherwise have failed of its advantages. The limits of 
this volume will allow space for only a brief sketch of 
the history of the college ; a deficiency which I should 
the more regret, were it not that a full and complete his- 
tory of the institution may be looked for in due time, 
from Professor Edward North, who is preparing the same, 
in compliance with a vote of the trustees. 

The account already given of Hamilton Oneida Acad- 
emy brings its history down to the year 1812, when the 
school was raised to the rank and functions of a college. 1 
In order to obtain a charter, and a grant of $50,000 
from the legislature for its endowment, it was found nec- 
essary to raise another fund of $50,000 by subscription. 
Rev. Caleb Alexander, of Fairfield, Herkimer County, 
was employed to undertake this work. And so energetic 
and skillful did he prove, that in a few months he secured 
a sum which, with the estimated value of the academy 

1 The academy closed its formal existence September 10, 1812. 



126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAKD. 

buildings and lands ($15,000), amounted to $52,841.64. 
A charter was granted May 22, 1812. The trustees im- 
mediately completed the unfinished portions of the acad- 
emy, and put the whole in good repair. They then pro- 
ceeded to the election of a Faculty, choosing the Rev. 
Azel Backus, D. D., of Bethlem, Conn., as Presi- 
dent ; Rev. Seth Norton, Professor of Languages ; Josiah 
Nmes, M. D., Professor of Chemistry; and Theodore 
Strong, Tutor. The. doors of the college were opened 
for students October 24, 1812 ; and regular recitations 
commenced on the first of November. 

The inauguration of the president took place Decem- 
ber 3d, in the Congregational church of Clinton ; the 
exereises consisting of a discourse by the president-elect, 
an address in Latin by Professor Seth Norton, and prayer 
and reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Dr. Asahel Norton, 
of Clinton, and Rev. Eliphalet Steele, of Paris Hill. Dr. 
Backus' life in the presidency was destined to be short. 
He died after four years' service, December 28, 1816. 

His successor in office was the Rev. Henry Davis, D. D., 
an alumnus of Yale College. Dr. Davis had been Pro- 
fessor of Languages in Union College, and at the time of 
his election here was president of Middlebury College, 
and had recently been appointed president of Yale, to 
succeed the eminent Timothy Dwight. For reasons 
which prevailed in his own mind, he chose to accept the 
position offered him by this college, and was inaugurated 
in the fall of 1817. Dr. Davis continued in office sixteen 
years. 

During the early years of his presidency the number 
of students greatly increased. But afterwards troubles 
arose, chiefly from difference of opinion in the Faculty 
and Board of Trustees, on questions of internal govern- 



PRESIDENTS OF THE COLLEGE. 127 

inent and discipline, which brought the college very low 
in numbers, and for a time alienated many of its friends. 
Yet no one doubted the integrity of the president, or his 
strong attachment to the institution. He died in Clinton, 
March 7, 1852, aged eighty-two years. 

Dr. Davis was succeeded, in the fall of 1883, by the 
Rev. Sereno E. Dvvight, D. D., a son of Timothy D wight. 
Owing largely to the infirm state of his health, he re- 
signed his position after two years' service. He died 
November 30, 1850. At the time of which we now speak 
the Faculty of the college consisted of the following pro- 
fessors : John H. Lathrop, in the department of Ethics 
and Political Economy ; Simeon North, in the Latin and 
Greek Languages ; Charles Avery, in Chemistry and Nat- 
ural Philosophy ; Marcus Catlin, in Mathematics ; and 
Oren Root, Tutor. Between the election of President 
Davis and the resignation of President D wight, Professors 
James Hadley, John Monteith, Eleazar S. Barrows, Will- 
iam Kirkland, and John Wayland served the college for 
short periods. 

In the autumn of 1835, the Rev. Joseph Penney, D. D., 
of Northampton, Mass., was elected to the presidency. 
He was a thorough and accurate scholar and a preacher 
of much ability. Greatly to the regret of the friends of 
the college he resigned his office in the year 1839. 

Rev. Simeon North, D. D., then Professor of Languages, 
was promoted to the presidency in 1839, and held this 
position eighteen years. His administration covers a pe- 
riod of much prosperity in the affairs of the college. At 
the time of his election to the chair of Ancient Languages 
only nine students were in attendance ; at his resignation 
of the presidency there were one hundred and thirty-nine. 
At his inauguration the treasury was almost empty ; dur- 



128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

ing his term of service it was largely replenished, new 
buildings were erected, and several new professorships 
created. Among the professors of this period mention 
should be made of Rev. Henry Mandeville, D. D., in the 
department of Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric and Elocu- 
tion ; Rev. John Finley Smith, in Latin and Greek, suc- 
ceeded in the same department by Edward North, L. H. 
D. ; and Theodore D wight, LL. D., in Law, History, and 
Political Economy ; Rev. Anson J. Upson, D. D., as 
Professor of Logic, Rhetoric and Elocution ; and Rev. 
William S. Curtis, D. D., as Professor of Mental and 
Moral Philosophy. 

President North was succeeded in the year 1858, by 
Rev. Samuel W. Fisher, D. D., of Cincinnati. Dr. 
Fisher's presidency, which lasted until 1866, was one of 
great success. Eminent as a preacher, his services in the 
pulpit and on the platform gained for the college a wide 
public recognition. The number of students steadily in- 
creased, the finances of the institution were augmented, 
and its internal affairs were in many respects improved. 
During his term of service Rev. William N. McHarg was 
elected Professor of the Latin Language and Literature ; 
Christian H. F. Peters, Ph. D., Professor of Astronomy ; 
and Ellicott Evans, LL. D., Professor of Law, History 
and Political Economy. 

The Rev. Samuel Gilman Brown, D. D., formerly a 
professor in Dartmouth College, was elected to the pres- 
idency in the year 1866. We rejoice that the time has 
not yet come for completing the record of his official life 
in connection with this institution. During his adminis- 
tration the college has received numerous and valuable 
pecuniary gifts, and in all respects it stands upon a 
broader and surer foundation than it has ever before oc- 



FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE. 129 

cupied. Since his inauguration, Mr. Edward Wallenstein 

Root served the college one year as Professor of Chemis- 
try, but was removed by death, greatly lamented. Rev. 
Samuel D. Wilcox also occupied the chair of Rhetoric 
and Elocution very acceptably for about two years, when 
his failing health compelled him to resign. 

The present corps of instructors is as follows : — 

Rev. Samuel Gilman Brown, D. D., LL. D., Pres- 
ident, and Walcott Professor of the Evidences of Chris- 
tianity. 

Charles Avery, LL. D., Professor Emeritus of 
Chemistry. 

Rev. Nicholas Westermann Goertner, D. D., 
College Pastor. . 

Oren Root, LL. D., Professor of Mathematics, Min- 
eralogy and Geology. 

Christian Henry Frederick Peters, Ph. D., 
Litchfield Professor of Astronomy, and Director of the 
Litchfield Observatory. 

Ellicott Evans, LL. D., Maynard Professor of Law, 
History, Civil Polity and Political Economy. 

Edward North, L. H. D., Edward Robinson Pro- 
fessor of the Greek Language and Literature. 

Rev. John William Mears, D. D., Albert Barnes 
Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, and In- 
structor in Modern Languages. 

Albert Huntington Chester, A. M., E. M., 
Childs Professor of Agricultural Chemistry. 

Rev. Abel Grosvenor Hopkins, A. M., Benjamin- 
and-Bates Professor of the Latin Language and Liter- 
ature. 

Chester Huntington, A. M., Professor of Natural 
Philosophy, and Librarian. 



130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Henry Allyn Frink, A. M., Kingsley Professor of 
Logic, Rhetoric and Elocution. 

The treasurers of the college have been as follows : 
Erastus Clark, from 1812 to 1825 ; James Dean, from 
1825 to 1828 ; Othniel Williams, from 1828 to 1832 ; 
Benjamin W. Dwight, M. D., from 1832 to 1850 ; Oth- 
niel S. Williams, LL. D., from 1850 to the present time. 

The trustees of the college have uniformly been men of 
high repute in every walk of life. In the words of Pres- 
ident Fisher, they have been " men wise in their genera- 
tion, strong in intellect, full of enterprise, and the recip- 
ients of honor and respect from the State and the 
church." 

It would be difficult to enumerate all the benefactors of 
the college. From the beginning until now, it has been 
cherished and helped forward by the contributions of 
the poor, and those in moderate circumstances, as well 
as by the ampler gifts of the rich. The town in which it 
is located has always done generously in its behalf. In 
the raising of funds for its endowment the several presi- 
dents and professors and treasurers and many of the trus- 
tees have taken an active part. Special notice should be 
made of the labors, at an early day, of Rev. Caleb Alex- 
ander, of Fairfield, and subsequently of Professor Charles 
Avery, who, first during the presidency of Dr. Dwight, 
and afterwards of Dr. North, devoted himself with much 
energy and perseverance to an increase of the college re- 
sources. The institution is greatly indebted to the faith- 
ful and untiring services of Professor Avery. In the 
year 1859, Rev. N. W. Goertner, D. D., was appointed 
a special commissioner, to secure a more ample and per- 
manent endowment of the college. He has prosecuted 
his work from that time to the present with great zeal 



CLINTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 131 

and efficiency. During his term of service, and chiefly 
by his exertions the sum of two hundred thousand dol- 
lars and upwards has been raised for the benefit of the 
institution. 

The South College, the Commons' Hall, now used as 
the Cabinet, and the old President's house, now occu- 
pied by Professor Chester, were built during the adminis- 
tration of Dr. Backus. The Oneida Academy Hall was 
removed, and the Chapel and Kirkland Hall and Dexter 
Hall were erected (though the latter was not finished) 
during the presidency of Dr. Davis. Dexter Hall was 
afterwards completed by a special subscription raised for 
that purpose by President North. The Commons' Hall 
was fitted up for a Mineralogical and Geological Cabinet, 
and the Gymnasium, the Laboratory and the Astronomi- 
cal Observatory were erected during Dr. North's presi- 
dency. During the same period, also, the old President's 
house, which stood a few rods southeast of the South 
College, was removed to its present position ; additional 
land east of the College buildings was purchased, and 
the entire grounds were laid out in their present order. 
The Library Hall and the new President's house were 
erected during the administration of Dr. Brown. 

III. CLINTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 

This school has been almost wholly contemporaneous 
with Hamilton College. In the fall of 1813, one year 
after the Hamilton Oneida Academy had been elevated 
to the rank of a college, the friends of education in this 
vicinity endeavored to raise the sum of $3000 by 
subscription for erecting a new academy. The effort 
failed of success, because the inhabitants of the town 
had recently given out of their scanty resources all they 



132 HISTORY OF THE TO \VN OF KI RELAX D. 

could spare to help endow the College. But they were 
not disheartened by this failure. In the year 1815, 
they organized a stock company, the members of which 
were to own the property, and receive whatever dividends 
might arise from the rent of the building and grounds. 
It was confidently believed that the stock would pay 
annual dividends of fifteen per cent. The estimated cost 
of the edifice was $2000, and the stock was divided 
into shares of twenty dollars each. Subscriptions having 
been obtained to nearly the required amount, the build- 
ing was erected. It was forty feet long, twenty-six 
wide and two stories high ; and it was built of brick. 

The engraving shows the appearance of the building 
after a rough usage of fifty years ; it has recently been 
remodeled and much improved, under the direction 
of Mr. A. P. Kelsey, principal of the Rural High 
School, and is now occupied by him. The land on which 
the building was to stand was given by David Comstock, 
in payment for four shares of stock. The bricks were 
made by General Collins, near Middle Settlement. The 
timber was furnished by James D. Stebbins, in payment 
of stock. No dividends were ever declared upon the 
stock. 

In the interim between the closing of Hamilton Oneida 
Academy and the opening of the new institution, a 
classical school was set up in the second story of the 
building now occupied by Judge Williams as a law 
office, the lower story being then used as a cabinet 
shop. It was taught by the Rev. Comfort Williams, 
assisted by Moses Bristol. Next year, it was removed 
to the building on College Street next east of the acad- 
emy, and it was taught by William Groves. Next year, 
it was opened in its original place, and was taught by 




(iKAMMAU SCHOOL. 



SCHOOL DISCIPLINE. 133 

George Bristol. Mark Hopkins, since widely known as 
President of Williams College, and Charles Avery and 
Horace Bogue were among the pupils of this year. In 
the fall of 1816, the school was transferred to the new 
brick building on " the Flats," and placed under the 
care of Rev. Joel Bradley. Mr. Bradley held the post 
only a year or two, and was succeeded by Rev. William 
R. Weeks. 

This gentleman was somewhat original in his modes 
of discipline, as the following instance will show : In the 
absence of clocks and watches in the school-room, Mr. 
Weeks set up a pendulum from the ceiling, at one end 
of the room, the continuance of whose vibrations should 
determine the length of a recitation, or a play-spell or 
a penance. When the boys when out for a recess, they 
were permitted to set the pendulum a-swinging for them- 
selves, though if they swung it so hard as to make the 
weight strike the ceiling, or if they played longer than 
the pendulum vibrated, they each received a black mark. 
Alas ! the temptation was too strong for many a lad to 
resist. And so it happened that the pendulum weight 
(which was an old horse-shoe), by its repeated thwack - 
ings broke the plaster of the ceiling in pieces, and the 
boys' legs kept in motion out of doors long after the 
chronometer within was still. Of the sore punishment 
which these transgressors received there are those now 
living who could feelingly relate. 

At what precise time the Female Department of this 
school was organized, I am unable to learn. Only it is 
believed that Miss Mary Hayes was the first teacher, 
and this probably in the year 1817. She was succeeded 
by Miss Mary Heywood, and she by Miss Julia Hayes, 
and the latter by Miss Delia Strong. 



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MISS ROYCE'S SEMINARY. 135 

Rev. Dr. Kendall, of New York. Miss Matilda Wallace, 
now the wife of Dr. "William D. Love, of East Saginaw. 
Mich., the Misses Elizabeth Bradley. E. C. King, Anna 
and Mary Chipinan. and bv Dr. John C. Gallup and 
Mrs. Manila H. Gallup. 

Since the union of the Grammar School and High 
School, in the year 1866, the former has ceased to exist 
in name, but it has still a legal existence : its Male 
Department being represented by the High School 
under Mr. A. P. Kelsey. and the Female Department 
by Houghton Seminary under the care of Mr. and Mrs. 
J. C. Gallup. 

IT. MISS EOYCE's SEMINARY. 

This school, called after the name of its chief In- 
structor, Miss Nancy Royce, was established in the year 
1814. It was a boarding and day school for young 
ladies, and was opened in one of the chambers of Dr. 
Seth Hastings* (now Dr. Austin Barrows') house. From 
thence it was removed to a building on the northeast 
corner of the village Green. It soon became widely 
known and popular, drawing scholars from all parts of 
this State and from Canada. Two or three Indian girls, 
of the Stockbridge tribe, were at one time members of this 
school. Outgrowing the capacity of the building it occu- 
pied, it was removed to the Royce house (now occupied 
by Marshall W. Barker), which was soon enlarged to 
double its original dimensions to receive the prosperous 
seminary. From the beginning of her career as Precep- 
tress, Miss Royce was an invalid, yet by great care in her 
daily regimen, and supported by an energy of purpose 
almost indomitable, she contrived to carry forward her 
school and to build it up into great success. Her health, 



136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

however, finally gave way, and after a few years she was 
obliged to commit her Seminary to other hands, when it 
gradually declined and was wholly relinquished. Miss 
Royce died March 29, 1856, aged seventy years. 

V. CLINTON LIBERAL INSTITUTE. 1 

The ministers and delegates from the several associa- 
tions comprising the Universalist Convention of the State 
of New York, met at Clinton, May 11, 1831. Among 
the acts of that body at this session was the appointment 
of a committee of three, namely, Rev. S. R. Smith, D. 
Skinner, and A. B. Grosh, " to collect important facts, 
and prepare an address to the several associations and to 
the Universalist and liberal portion of the community, on 
the subject of establishing a literary institution in this 
State, not only for the purpose of science and litera- 
ture, but with a particular view of furnishing with an ed- 
ucation young men designing to study for the ministry of 
universal reconciliation." 

The election of this committee was the initial step in 
preparing the way for the erection of the Clinton Liberal 
Institute. 

On June 1st following, the central association met at 
Cedarville, Herkimer County, when the same subject was 
brought before that body, and resolutions were passed : 

1. Approving the recommendation of the State conven- 
tion respecting a literary institution. 

2. That it be located at Clinton. 

3. That a Board of Trust be appointed. 

4. Contains the number and names of said Board. 

5. That Joseph Stebbins and John TV. Hale, of Clin- 
ton, David Pixley, of Manchester^ Timothy Smith, of 

1 This paper was prepared by Rev. S. P. Landers. 



THE LIBERAL INSTITUTE. 137 

Augusta, and Ezra S. Barnum, of Utica, constitute an 
executive committee with usual powers. 

6. That Joseph Stebbins be treasurer. 

7. That sister associations be solicited to unite with us 
in promoting the objects herein contemplated. Numer- 
ous associations throughout the State responded to the 
acts of the State Convention, pledging themselves to aid 
in every practicable way the project of establishing such 
a school at Clinton. 

One of the principal causes of this effort to found a 
school on liberal principles in theology, was (what seemed 
to be) the sectarian character and the proselyting influ- 
ences on students, made in the various academies and col- 
leges of our country. 

The first report of the executive committee, dated 
Clinton, August 20, 1831, in explaining to the public the 
object of the contemplated seminary, says, among other 
things, that " it is not to be sectarian.' 1 '' " On the con- 
trary, while it is deemed all important that the young 
mind should be strongly impressed with the pure moral- 
ity of the gospel, we wish to leave the responsibility of 
indoctrination to the natural guardians of youth. 

" Pledging ourselves that as we have seen and felt the 
evils of sectarian influence in the existing seminaries of 
learning, so we will use our constant endeavors to pre- 
serve the one now projected, from its contaminations." 
This is all that the limited space of this sketch will allow 
respecting the formative history of the Institute. 

A preliminary school for males was opened November 
7, 1831, on College Street, in a building owned by Will- 
iam Johnson, nearly opposite Mr. Kelsey's. This school 
had four terms a year, and was taught by George R. Per- 
kins, now of Utica, who was connected with the Institute 
from this tima until the year 1839. 



138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

The Female Department was commenced November 21, 
1831, in a house on the east side of the Green, now owned 
and occupied by A. W. Mills ; and it was taught by 
Miss Burr. In May of the following year, it was for- 
mally opened in the new building erected for that pur- 
pose on Utica Street, by Miss Philena Dean, now the 
widow of the late Professor Marcus Catlin. The present 
site for the male department was purchased of John 
Sweeting, and the substantial stone edifice, ninety- six by 
fifty-two feet, and four stories high above the basement, 
was built in 1832, by contract, for $^300. 

As Harvard College was nourished and strengthened 
in its infancy by the labors and sacrifices of benevolent 
men, so the history of Clinton Liberal Institute, like that 
of many other literary institutions whose beginnings were 
small and when money was scarce, is the history of a 
struggle. It is well understood and acknowledged that 
Rev. Stephen R. Smith, for many years a resident and 
preacher in Clinton, was the founder of the Institute. 
Associated with him was Mr. Joseph Stebbins, whose 
first subscription was larger than any other person's, and 
who advanced from his own purse as funds were needed 
to complete the buildings, more than $5000. " To 
these two men," says Dr. Sawyer, in his memoir of Mr. 
Smith, " the denomination owes a debt of gratitude which 
few at this day can fully appreciate. Others, it is true, 
labored with them, but they stand preeminent." 

The library of the Institute was commenced by Mr. 
Smith taking a basket on his arm and soliciting books 
from his friends in this vicinity, and by obtaining dona- 
tions in books from publishers in Boston and New York. 

This school, thus founded, was commenced in the stone 
building, December 10, 1832. The Faculty consisted of 



TEACHERS OF THE INSTITUTE. 139 

Rev. C. B. Thummel, Principal, and Professor of Lan- 
guages, George R. Perkins, Professor of Mathematics, 
and E. W. Manley, Assistant. During the first year 
there were in attendance one hundred and eight pupils, 
most of whom studied the higher branches. 

In the Female Department, after brief terms of princi- 
palship by Misses Burr, Dean, and Fosdick, the services 
of Miss Almira Meech were secured as preceptress. The 
institution was chartered by the State in 1834, and in 
1836 it was put under the visitation of the Regents, re- 
ceiving its share of the public money. In 1836 a lot of 
six and a half acres of land called " The Knob," bought 
of William T. Richmond, was presented to the Institute, 
together with valuable apparatus, estimated at about 
$800, by Mr. R. W. Haskins, of Buffalo. It was de- 
signed by the donor to build an observatory on the top ; 
but, owing to various hindrances, this generous project 
was never carried out. 

Early in the_ year 1838, Mr. Thummel was succeeded 
by Rev. Timothy Clowes, LL. D., and Miss Meech by 
Miss L. M. Barker. It is due to Miss Barker to state 
that this was the beginning of a career as instructor in 
Clinton, which lasted thirty years, excepting, however, 
a short period spent in New York, and at Whittemore 
Hall, Massachusetts. She was successful as a teacher 
and an exemplar to young ladies ; and her pupils in large 
numbers are now exerting a happy influence in society as 
the result of her excellent instructions. Clinton fails to 
appreciate fully its indebtedness to her efforts in building 
up and beautifying the place. She collected about 
$ 2000 of the fund for erecting the present Ladies' In- 
stitute. She built the house now occupied by Mr. Peter 
Fake. After years of experience she felt that she could 



140 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 

not realize fully her idea of a true school while it was un- 
der the control of a board of trustees ; and so she planned 
and built the " Home Cottage " for a new seminary, it 
being the school property now owned by Dr. J. C. Gal- 
lup. This enterprise, however, proved too large for her 
means and her failing energies, and she sold the building 
to its present proprietor. After this she built a smaller 
school-house, calling it " Cottage Seminary " (which is 
now owned by Miss Anna Chipman), and where, sur- 
rounded by friendly hearts, she at length passed away. 
Her grateful pupils have recently erected a beautiful 
monument to her memory in the Clinton Cemetery. 

Rev. T. J. Sawyer, D. D., became Principal of the 
Male Department in 1845, and held the position some 
twelve or fifteen years. During this period, and largely 
by his efforts, the present building of the Female De- 
partment was erected, in the year 1851. It is of a sub- 
stantial character, one hundred and thirty-six feet by 
forty-six, is two stories high above the basement, and 
contains all the necessary rooms and fixtures to make it 
a pleasant home and school for young ladies. It stands 
on a slight eminence in the southern part of the village, 
commanding a view of the village and the valley of the 
Oriskany, and of the college hillside dotted here and 
there with residences, and with the institution crowning 
its summit. 

A debt of some magnitude having been incurred in 
erecting this building and in other ways, Rev. D. Skin- 
ner, of Utica, volunteered to. raise funds sufficient to 
discharge it. He did even more than this ; for he not 
only enabled the trustees to pay the debt of -$12,000, 
but obtained money enough to repair the buildings, and 
to replenish the library and the stock of apparatus. He 



MR KELLOGG' 'S SEMINARY. 141 

performed this labor without compensation, and in his 
will left $1000 to the institution. 

The school still continues to nourish. Mr. F. L. 
Backus is now (1873) the Principal of the Male De- 
partment, and Miss Mary S. Bacon is Principal of the 
Female Department. The last Annual Report of the 
treasurer, Mr. Edwin J. Stebbins, states that the receipts 
from the school for the past year, were $18,678.52, and 
the disbursements, $19,322.42. During the past year, 
the Institute has received a donation of $25,000 from 
John Craig, of Rochester, N. Y. 

VI. THE YOUNG LADIES' DOMESTIC SEMINARY. 1 

In the year 1832, Rev. Hiram H. Kellogg commenced 
in Clinton the establishment of a seminary for young 
ladies which, while furnishing facilities for a thorough, 
christian education, should be conducted on such a 
method as to enable persons of limited means to enjoy 
its advantages. The rates of tuition were placed at the 
lowest sum by which such an institution could be sus- 
tained, and besides this, compensating employment was 
furnished in domestic and other avocations, adapted to 
the age and condition of each pupil, by which the scholars 
might reduce the cost of their board and tuition to a 
considerable amount. 

Having erected and furnished his building, Mr. 
Kellogg opened his school in the spring of the year 1833, 
under the name of The Young Ladies' Domestic Semi- 
nary. The school was full at the beginning ; and such 
was the pressure of applicants beyond its capacity, that 
the building was materially enlarged during the first 
year. 

« Prepared by Eev. H. II. Kellogg, the first Principal. 



142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 

During the first eight years of its history, its rooms 
were uniformly filled, the usual attendants numbering 
from seventy to eighty. The whole number educated 
here during those years, was upwards of five hundred. 
Notwithstanding its peculiar features which commended 
it especially to the poor, it was liberally patronized by 
the wealthy families of central New York, and was as 
universally popular as any similar institution in this part 
of the State. The full amount charged for board and 
tuition never exceeded 8120 per year. The amounts 
deducted from this in compensation for work performed, 
usually ranged from ten to fifty per cent of the face of 
the regular bills. And so it came to pass that a large 
number of christian ladies were here educated at an 
expense of only from fifty to sixty dollars a year, who 
afterwards became eminently useful in missionary work 
at home and abroad. 

But the amount of good accomplished by this seminary 
was not limited to the education and usefulness of its 
pupils. It is due to the truth of history to record that 
this school was visited by those who were maturing 
plans for the establishment of other institutions in 
Illinois, Ohio, and New England ; and that its peculiar 
features were, to some extent, adopted by them. One 
of these instances may here be recorded : In the summer 
of 1884, Mr. Kellogg visited the Female Seminary at 
Ipswich, Massachusetts, then conducted by the Misses 
Grant and Lyon. At the request of the teachers, he 
addressed the collected school, and sketched the outline 
of his plan and its results. Miss Lyon was so deeply 
interested in the project that she resolved to visit Mr. 
Kellogg's Seminary at an early opportunity. During 
her next vacation, she came to Clinton, and after a full 



HOME COTTAGE SEMINARY. 143 

examination of the practical workings of this institution, 
went home resolved to establish a new seminary in which 
the leading features of this school should have a promi- 
nent place. Hence arose the Mount Holyoke Seminary, 
at South Hadley, Massachusetts, whose fame is in all 
the land. If the facts were fully known, it would 
appear, also, that the Seminary at Monticello, Illinois, 
and the Female Department of Knox College, and of 
Oberlin College, and the Elmira Female College, N. Y., 
and other similar institutions have been moulded and 
encouraged by the seminary which for eight years was 
so successfully conducted among us. 

In 1841, Mr. Kellogg having been elected to the 
presidency of Knox College, sold his Seminary property 
to an association of Free-Will Baptists, and removed 
with his family to Galesburgh, Illinois. The Baptists, 
after conducting the school for three years on a different 
plan, relinquished it ; when it was reopened by Mr. 
Pelatiah Rawson as a private school. The failure of Mr. 
Rawson's health caused the school to be closed. 

In 1817, in consequence of his infirm health, and his 
property here falling back into his hands, Mr. Kellogg 
returned to Clinton and attempted to resuscitate the 
seminary, and to make it a school for both sexes. It 
was not so easy to revive a decaying school as to create 
a new one ; yet some considerable success attended the 
effort. In 1850, Mr. Kellogg deemed it best, for reasons 
which need not here be stated, to close the institution. 

VII. HOME COTTAGE SEMINARY. 

This institution was established by Miss Louisa M. 
Barker, in the year 1854. The building is situated on a 
picturesque hill south of Clinton, overlooking the Oris- 



144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

kany Valley, and commanding a fine view of the surround- 
ing country. It is one hundred and fifty feet in length 
and fifty-four in width ; is two stories high above an 
elevated basement, and has two towers three stories 
high. 

Miss Barker had been for some years Principal of the 
Female Department of the Liberal Institute ; and now, 
in the maturity of her powers, sought in this institution 
to carry out more fully her ideas of education. Her great 
strength as a teacher lay in her power to rouse the mind 
of her pupils to a just appreciation of the various branches 
of literature. Having herself an extensive acquaintance 
with English classical writers, she imbued all who came 
within the sphere of her influence with a love of the best 
books in our language, and will be remembered by many 
as having awakened in them new powers to perceive 
what was quite hidden from them before. 

Here, associated with competent assistants, she re- 
mained until the year 1861, when she sold the seminary 
to Dr. J. C. Gallup. Since it passed into his hands, it 
has been known as Houghton Seminary. After retiring 
from the above institution, Miss Barker established a 
family school for the accommodation of fourteen boarders. 
Its capacities have since been somewhat enlarged. It is 
situated on College Street, and bears the name of the 
Cottage School. Since the decease of Miss Barker, it has 
passed into the hands of Miss Anna Chipman, who was 
for many years an associate Principal with Miss Barker, 
and who has since maintained the school with a very 
high degree of efficiency and success. 

VITL HOUGHTON SEMINARY. 
As it has been stated in the preceding chapter, Dr. 



D WIGHT'S RURAL HIGH SCHOOL. 145 

John C. Gallup took possession of the property heretofore 
known as the Home Cottage Seminary, in August, 1861. 
Since that time, it has been styled Houghton Seminary, 
in honor of his -wife, Mrs. Marilla Houghton Gallup, 
the associate principal. The grounds, consisting origi- 
nally of eight acres, have been enlarged to twenty acres. 
Much has been done also of late to augment the value 
of the buildings, and the beauty of the lawns, the garden, 
and the entire premises. 

The institution is now under the care of the Regents 
of the University of the State of New York ; has a large 
and valuable library ; has an efficient Faculty of seven 
instructors ; and its collegiate course requires four years 
of study in the classical and higher English branches. 
During the past ten years of its history the average num- 
ber of pupils has been ninety, of whom sixty-three have 
been graduated and received the diploma of the institu- 
tion. This seminary is in all respects highly prosperous. 

IX. dwight's rural high school. 1 

This school was opened in May, 1858, by Rev. Benja- 
min W. D wight, its principal and proprietor, with Rev. 
David A. Holbrook, and Henry P. Bristol, as associates. 
It occupied the ground — eighteen acres and more — on 
the corner of Elm Street and Factory Street, and faced 
with two imposing fronts these two avenues. It stood 
one hundred and fifty feet back from the former, and two 
hundred and twenty-five feet from the latter, on a pleas- 
ing, artificial slope. The grounds were laid out in ample 
style, with walks and carriage-drives, and were planted 
with ornamental trees. A large gymnasium, seventy 

1 This paper was prepared by Eev. B. W. Dwight, LL. D. 
10 



146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

feet by thirty-two, stood at the southeast, at a distance of 
some three hundred and fifty feet. 

The building was erected in the years 1857-58. Dr. 
.Dwight, who had been for several years conducting a 
large and nourishing high school in Brooklyn, came to 
Clinton for the purpose of combining the influence of fine 
rural surroundings with educational labor. He believed 
that he could achieve much higher physical, intellectual, 
and moral results in such a school than in any other. 

The school opened with nine boarders and eighteen 
day scholars, and rose, when at its greatest height, to 
over eighty pupils, some fifty-three of them being board- 
ers. The school was a place of abounding physical 
healthfulness, of earnest intellectual work, and of warm 
religious life. Students came from far and near, all over 
the land, and went from the school to a dozen different 
colleges. Beside giving earnest attention to classical and 
mathematical drill, full courses of daily study were ap- 
pointed in history, physiology, and the modern languages. 
During the last three years of the school a number of 
young ladies were admitted to it, and with good effect in 
every way. 

The school biiilding, which was expensive for those 
days, having cost nearly $20,000, was large and showy. 
Four distinct buildings were in fact harmonized in it into 
one. The combined structure was on every side of it 
picturesque in appearance, and imposing in all its propor- 
tions, and pronounced by all who saw it one of the largest 
and finest buildings in the county. Its entire front was 
fifty-six feet, and its greatest length one hundred and six 
feet. 

I n the year 1864, Mr. Henry P. Bristol died, after a 
short illness. He was a man of thorough principle and 



COMMON SCHOOLS. 147 

of exact scholarship, and was always respected and es- 
teemed by the pupils whom he sought to improve and 
bless. Dr. D wight, in the hope of benefiting the declin- 
ing health of his wife, went to New York in the spring of 
1863, and opened there a school at No. 1144 Broadway, 
leaving the school here in the hands of Rev. Mr. Hol- 
brook, who, after two years, resigned the charge into the 
hands of Mr. Ambrose P. Kelsey. In April, 1865, after 
having been only a few months under the care of the lat- 
ter, the building caught fire in the roof near one of the 
chimneys, and burned slowly down, in the absence of an 
efficient fire-engine in the place, before the eyes of a great 
crowd of spectators. 

MRS. MARK'S SCHOOL. 

A select school was opened by Mrs. Elizabeth D. Marr, 
in May, 1861. It was commenced in the building for- 
merly occupied by Rev. Mr. Kellogg's seminary, and was 
transferred the following year to rooms in the Clinton 
Grammar School. A building was then erected for its 
permanent occupancy on Meadow Street, to which it was 
soon after removed, and where it has since remained. 

At this school, instruction is given in all the English 
branches, and in the Latin, French, and German lan- 
guages, and in drawing and painting. 

Mrs. Marr is assisted by two or three associate teachers. 
The present number of pupils is twenty-six. 

COMMON SCHOOLS. 1 

At the time when most of the school districts of this 
town were organized, Kirkland was included in the town 

1 This paper was prepared by Mr. Gaius Butler. 



148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

of Paris. But as the settlement began at Clinton, so let 
these brief sketches commence here. 

The first building erected in Kirkland for the purposes 
of a common school, stood on the east side of the Village 
Green, upon the spot now occupied for a similar purpose. 
It was a frame building one story and a half high. This 
was afterwards removed, and now stands on the north 
side of Kellogg Street, and is occupied by Mr. James 
Hughes. This original school-house was succeeded by a 
brick building. The bricks used in this structure were 
made on the farm of Gideon Cole, now owned by James 
Elphick and Dr. G. I. Bronson. In the spring of 1840, 
this house having become somewhat dilapidated, was sold 
at public auction for some' $300, and soon afterward the 
present frame building was erected on or near the same 
spot. It is worthy of note that' a Mr. Fillmore, brother 
of President Fillmore, was one of the early teachers in 
this school-house. 

It was originally a very general practice to measure 
the lot by the size of the school-house, as if a sufficient 
margin for a play-ground was land thrown away. 
The school-house on Utica Street was built on a steep 
bluff, at an angle on two sides of some forty-five degrees, 
with not one spare foot of ground. A school was sus- 
tained on this spot for many years, but a bright light 
one evening many years ago, showed that the old build- 
ing was being reduced to ashes. 

The first school -house in the eastern part of Kirkland, 
near Mr. Pickett's, was built by a Mr. Willard, at the 
contract price of $150. Low price and poor work. It 
was attempted to warm the building in winter by a Rus- 
sian stove, of which Dr. Backus said, " One might about 
as well warm his feet by a tombstone." Another and 



COMMON SCHOOLS. 149 

better building was afterwards put up on the same site, 
but ere long it went by fire, and the district itself was dis- 
solved. 

The school in Chuckery district appears to have been 
for many years in a prosperous condition. 

The Franklin district is a large and populous one. 
The first school-house was destroyed under circumstances 
bordering on the ludicrous. It may suffice here to state 
that for a certain cutaneous disease sulphur was regarded 
as the best remedy ; and that, in order to its being well 
rubbed in, a large fire was considered necessary. Well, 
the boys got better, but the red-hot stove-pipe set the 
building on fire, and the boys were not in a condition to 
put it out. The present school-house is only an apology 
for one, and should give place to a better. 

The house by the toll-gate, near Mr. Gruman's, has 
a tolerably spacious play -ground, and is kept in uniformly 
fair condition. 

The district on Brimfield Hill does not seem to enjoy 
a vigorous life, though it has given to the world some 
very good men. 

Manchester district was originally a large one, and had 
its school-house at the junction of the Clinton road with 
the Seneca turnpike. It was subsequently divided, the 
Oriskany Creek being the line between the districts, and 
new school-houses being built centrally in each of the new 
districts. 

The first school-house on Post Street was burnt some 
years ago, but its place has been supplied by a new and 
suitable structure. 

The school-house on the Paris Hill road, near Curtis S. 
Parmele's house, has been much improved within a few 
years. The same may be said of the one at the foot of 
College Hill. 



150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Some three or four districts have been dissolved or 
annexed to others within the past fifteen or twenty years. 
Of a few others not herein reported, the history would 
probably vary but little from those already referred to. 

In one respect, at least, the school-house on Prospect 
Hill, in the western part of the town, is worthy of its 
high position. For more than fifty years a Sunday- 
school has been sustained under its roof, with the help of 
teachers from Hamilton College. 

Within the last fifty years, important changes have 
taken place in the superintendence of our common 
schools. 1. A board of three inspectors and three com- 
missioners was chosen at the annual town meeting. 2. 
A town superintendent was substituted. 3. We have a 
commissioner to supervise all the schools of each Assem- 
bly district. It does not appear that all of these changes 
have been improvements. 



CHAPTER VI. 

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, AND RURAL EMBEL- 
LISHMENT. 

AGRICULTURE. 

The husbandry of this town, for some time after the 
first settlement of the place, was necessarily of a mixed 
character. The land must needs be first cleared of a 
heavy growth of timber, and a short period must elapse 
before the plow could with much effect be introduced. 
The implements used in clearing the forest and subduing 
the soil were brought from New England, and were 
heavy and rude as compared with those of the present 
day. The work to be done required resolute minds and 
sturdy arms ; and these the pioneer settlers possessed. 
The soil was rich, and soon after it was opened to the 
sun, waving fields of wheat and grass and corn sprang up 
on all sides. 

When the products of grain began to exceed the wants 
of the population, the nearest and best market for the sur- 
plus was found at Albany, to which place wheat and pork 
were carried in sleighs every winter. And when the hills 
and valleys became clothed with pastures, horned cattle and 
sheep and horses were raised and driven to the same mar- 
ket in large numbers. While these things were going on 
out of doors, those who live mostty within were not idle. 
Almost every farmer kept sheep enough to produce a 
little wool, and raised a quantity of flax, and from these 



152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

products female industry carded and spun and wove the 
common wearing apparel of the household. The buzz 
of the spinning-wheel was heard as commonly in every 
dwelling then, as the tinkle of the piano is now. 

The town of Kirkland has always had a good reputa- 
tion for its stock of horses and cattle. It is true that 
some of the earlier specimens were sorry scrubs, of no 
high extraction ; yet hardy they must have been, or they 
could not have endured the exposures and rough usage 
to which they were subjected. After a time, however, 
marked improvements began to appear, especially in 
horned cattle. Devons were introduced here about the 
year 1814, from the herd of Chancellor Livingston, of 
Dutchess County. Short Horns, or Durhams, appeared 
in 1818, being brought from Springfield, Mass. The 
famous Holderness breed -was introduced about the same 
time, by Lewis Pond. 

In general, it may be said that the principal agricul- 
tural productions of the town have been from an early 
date Indian corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, grass, and 
clover, buckwheat, peas, beans, potatoes, carrots, and 
turnips. In later years, hops and tobacco have been 
introduced. Hops, though sometimes very remunerative, 
have proved quite an uncertain crop, owing chiefly to the 
variable seasons, and the frequent prevalence of insects 
and other forms of blight. 

KIRKLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

. This Society was formed in the winter of 18G1-62, and 
has held ten autumn exhibitions. It has accomplished a 
good work by promoting social freedom, and by bringing 
about a friendly interchange of ideas and experiences, 
and a healthy competition between the productive indus- 



HORTICULTURE. 153 

tries of the town. At its annual fairs the Society has 
been favored with agricultural addresses by Hon. Henry 
P. Norton, Dr. Thomas J. Sawyer, Dr. Samuel W. 
Fisher, Prof. Charles Avery, Prof. Edward North, Dr. 
John C. Gallup, Hon. Horatio Seymour, President Sam- 
uel G. Brown, Prof. A. P. Kelsey, and Rev. Dwight 
Williams. The list of presidents, annually elected, 
runs thus : Thomas J. Sawyer, John E. Elliott, Edward 
North, Levi Blakeslee, Edwin Gruman, George K. Eells, 
Lyman S. Harding, T. A. Gruman, George Griffin, C. W. 
Eells, Elias Stanton, and Charles L. Kellogg. 

HORTTCULTUKE. 

The orchard and garden have always been held here 
in high consideration. Orchards were planted at the first 
from seedlings raised on the spot, and then grafted with 
scions of the "best apples and pears that could be found in 
New England. Some of these seedlings, however, were 
perpetuated, and a few of them have proved worthy of 
reproduction till the present day. Others were useful 
only for making cider. The peach, plum, cherry, and 
quince flourished here for a period in perfection, and 
yielded abundantly ; but within the past twenty years 
they have all gradually declined in vigor, or become the 
helpless victims of insects or blight, so that now they yield 
uncertain crops. From recent indications, it is feared that 
the pear will also soon disappear from the list of our re- 
liable fruits. 1 

Among the pioneer orchardists of Kirkland may be 
mentioned Naaman Goodsell, Roswell Bronson, Dr. Seth 

1 When Dr. Timothy Dwight visited this town, in September, 1799, he wrote 
in his Diary as follows: " All the vegetable productions of the climate flourish 
here. A farmer this year had two hundred bushels of peaches, which he sold 
for a dollar a bushel." 



154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Hastings, Rev. Dr. Norton, Ephraini Hart, Ozias Marvin, 
and George Bristol. The native Indian Orchard, in 
Stockbridge, Madison County, furnished several excellent 
varities of fruit, one of the best being the summer apple, 
known as O'Toole's Indian Rareripe. While the young 
orchards of Kirkland were growing, large supplies of 
apples and cider were annually brought to this market 
by the Indians at Stockbridge. Mr. Goodsell claimed 
that he first introduced the Early Harvest apple, the 
Rhode Island Greening, Esopus Spitzenberg, Cornish 
Gilliflower, Seeknofurther, and Swaar. Rev. Dr. Norton 
also was quite assiduous in procuring scions from Mr. 
Prince, of Flushing, and from other friends in New 
England. Among the varieties of apples introduced by 
him may be mentioned the Fall Pippin and English 
Pearmain ; and of pears, the Virgalieu and Gansell's 
Bergamot. Grafting fruit was then quite an occult art, 
and the good parson went about among his parishioners, 
inserting scions for them, and teaching them how to do 
it for themselves. Among the pears introduced by 
George Bristol, may be named the Madeleine, Bartlett, 
Seckel, Bleeker, Glout Morceaux, Beurre Diel, and Easter 
Beurre. 

Among the smaller fruits, this town now produces 
blackberries, currants, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, 
and strawberries, and each in numerous varieties. Among 
the vegetables which have for many years enriched our 
gardens, we may name the asparagus, beet, cabbage, 
cauliflower, cucumber, egg-plant, melon, onion, parsnip, 
pumpkin, rhubarb, salsify, squash, and tomato. 



RURAL EMBELLISHMENT. 155 



RURAL EMBELLISHMENT. 



I. ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 

The town of Kirkland lias never fallen behind its 
neighboring communities in the culture of shade trees, 
shrubbery, and flowers. At first, our native trees were 
seldom planted for the beautifying of streets and pri- 
vate grounds. Of forest trees it was felt that there were 
already too many ; they cumbered the earth ; it was the 
farmer's daily task to hew them down and burn them to 
make room for his crops. If trees were at all planted, 
it was some pretentious foreigner, like the Lombardy 
poplar, whose aspiring column was thought to mark the 
progress of civilization. Quite early, however, shrubs 
and blossoming vines were introduced. The flower-gar- 
den, as a general rule, was simply a cultivated border by 
the door-step, or by the side of the path leading from 
the house to the street. Here flourished such old-time 
friends as pinks, marigolds, poppies, sweet-pea, the red 
peony, columbine, fleur-de-luce, morning-glory, and sweet- 
william. Sometimes here, but oftener in some chosen 
corner of the kitchen-garden, were planted such whole- 
some herbs as sage, balm, thorough wort, and summer 
savory, and such refreshing plants as caraway, fennel, 
and dill. How often the spicy and odoriferous seeds of 
the latter have beguiled the tedium of long sermons, 
many a child and mother, and many a clergyman, could 
thankfully relate ! 

The pleasure-grounds of our fathers were generally 
of small extent. They were embraced in the narrow 
piece of land which lay directly in front of the house, 
and was inclosed by fences running in parallel lines from 



156 HISTORY OF THE TO \VN OF KIRKLAND. 

the front corners of the house to the street. The grass 
•within these bounds was seldom mowed oftener than 
once in a summer. 

Between the years 1840-45, a spirit of rural im- 
provement began to spread over the country. These 
were the days in which the lamented Downing began 
to write and to make himself felt in every part of the 
land. These were the days in which a new zeal sprang 
up for the culture of fruits and flowers, for landscape- 
gardening, and for the building of tasteful dwellings. 
This spirit of improvement reached the town of Kirkland, 
and soon showed itself in many practical ways. It was 
felt in the orchard and garden ; it was seen in the 
construction of a better class of houses, and in the reno- 
vation of old ones ; it laid out ampler pleasure-grounds, 
and remodeled old places which had been formed on the 
rectangular method, and it planted the roadsides and the 
village park with shade-trees. 

II. RURAL AET SOCIETY. 

The formation of the Society of Rural Art and Taste 
in Clinton was one of the natural outgrowths of the 
spirit to which I have just referred. It is but just, 
however, to record that this association owes its origin 
immediately to the suggestion of Mr. William E. Can- 
ning, of Stockbridge, Mass. This gentleman, while on 
a visit to Clinton in the summer of 1854, remarked to 
Rev. Benjamin W. D wight that Clinton needed only 
one thing more to develop its rural capabilities, and that 
was a tree-planting society such as existed in Stockbridge, 
and the particular features of which he proceeded to set 
forth. This hint was seized upon by Dr. Dwight, and 
communicated to a few other gentlemen, by whose united 



CLINTON CEMETERY. 157 

consultations the original plan was much enlarged and 
improved, and finally wrought into the present Rural 
Art Society, whose beneficent influence has long been 
felt in every part of this town. 

This association holds stated monthly meetings at the 
houses of its members in alphabetical order, taking 
supper with the family of each member, at which meet- 
ings discussions are had upon subjects of practical interest 
to all dwellers in the country. The topic of each meet- 
ing is assigned a month beforehand to some designated 
member, who makes a careful preparation to introduce 
the subject of discussion. This is followed by free 
remarks and inquiries on the same topic by the other 
gentlemen present. This society taxes itself annually a 
specified sum for the planting of trees by the roadside. 
It aims, likewise, to interest itself in all public improve- 
ments, and seeks to promote, directly and indirectly, a 
spirit of rural taste in all parts of the town. 

ni. CLINTON CEMETERY. 

Not lonoj after the formation of the above-named 
Society, and partly as one of its natural offshoots, the 
present Rural Cemetery of Clinton was established. The 
organization was made at a public meeting of citizens, 
held June 30, 1854. The land, twenty-five acres in ex- 
tent, was purchased of Rev. Thomas J. Sawyer, D. D., 
at a cost of $115 per acre. A large part of the pur- 
chase-money was obtained by voluntary subscription, and 
the rest by taxation. The grounds were laid out accord- 
ing to a plan furnished by Mr. John C. Hastings, of 
Clinton. The Cemetery was formally dedicated, Sep- 
tember 9, 1856, with the following public ceremonies : 
1. The Singing of the Ninetieth Psalm, which was read 



158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

by the Rev. S. P. Landers. 2. An Introductory Address, 
by Hon. O. S. Williams, o. Reading of Scripture and 
a Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. Robert G. Vermilye, D. D. 
4. The reading of an Ode by Rev. Prof. A. C. Kendrick, 
of Rochester. 5. A Dedicatory Address, by Prof. 
Edward North, of Hamilton College. 6. The reading of 
a Hymn, by Rev. John H. Hall, and the Benediction by 
Rev. E. D. Maltbie. 

The first Board of Trustees consisted of the following 
persons : James D. Stebbins, William H. Hubbard, 
Rufus Mills, Marshal W. Barker, John H. Tower, Peter 
Fake, Cyrus Nichols, Geri'it I. Bronson, Othniel S. 
Williams, Curtiss S. Parmelee, Edward North, and A. 
Delos Gridley. And this Board appointed the following 
officers: James D. Stebbins, President; William H. 
Hubbard, Vice-President ; Curtiss S. Parmelee, Secretary ; 
A. D. Gridley, Treasurer ; John C. Hastings, Superin- 
tendent. 

In May, 1862, the trustees of "The Society of 
Clinton " transferred the care of the old Burying Ground 
to the trustees of the new Cemetery. 

IV. THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 

Almost simultaneously with the rural improvements 
made in the town elsewhere, and indeed as a part of 
them, measures were taken to embellish the grounds of 
Hamilton College. Before this time, the campus was 
simply a rectangular plot of four acres immediately sur- 
rounding the dormitories. It was inclosed with a wooden 
fence, and crossed at needful places by straight walks 
four or five feet wide. Trees had been set out upon it 
somewhat sparsely, and for the most part in rows. Out- 
side of this central park were some twenty-eight acres of 



THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 159 

land, used chiefly for pasture and hay-fields. One promi- 
nent feature in the original adornings of the premises 
was a row of Lombardy poplars in the rear of the build- 
ings, another by the roadside in front, and a double row 
on the borders of the avenue leading down the hill 
towards the village of Clinton. These trees were planted 
partly in the year 1805, by the missionary Kirkland, 
and partly by President Backus. 

In the year 1853, the Faculty and certain other friends 
of the College in this vicinity felt moved to undertake 
an improvement of the campus and the other lands 
immediately surrounding the institution. They were 
moved to this not only by the prevailing spirit of the 
times, but because it seemed due to the memory of Mr. 
Kirkland, who, in his original deed of lands to the Oneida 
Academy, specified that this portion should be devoted 
to an ornamental garden. As the result of several con- 
ferences on this subject, a plan for remodeling the 
grounds, prepared by Mr. John C. Hastings, was 
adopted, and a committee was appointed to carry out 
the provisions of that plan. This committee consisted 
of Prof. Oren Root, Mr. J. C. Hastings, and Rev. A. D. 
Gridley. Subscriptions were soon raised in this town 
amounting to about $1000, to enable the committee to 
make a beginning of the work which had been projected. 
At the next meeting of the trustees of the College, the 
sum of $5000 was also appropriated by them for the use 
of this committee, who were at the same time requested to 
serve as the permanent curators of the College grounds. 

The first step in the improvements was the incorpora- 
tion of fifteen acres into one large park. Next came 
the removal of needless fences and various incumbrances. 
Unseemly roughnesses were smoothed down, and wet por- 



180 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND.' 

tions of the land were drained, and the whole surface 
put in a good condition for planting. The old rectilinear 
walks being sodded over, the entire park was laid out in 
the modern English method, with roads and footpaths 
winding in easy curves through its different parts. The 
carriage-ways and walks were covered with the red shale 
found in a ravine within the college lands. The premises 
were surrounded in part with hedges of buckthorn, and 
in part with wire fences. The latter, after a few years' 
use, proved nearly worthless, while the former are to-day 
their own best recommendation. 

In planting the grounds, it was a leading object of the 
committee to introduce as great a variety of trees as 
practicable. They resolved to obtain a specimen of 
every desirable tree and shrub, deciduous and evergreen, 
which might be expected to prove hardy in the climate 
of central New York. These trees and plants they 
arranged with a special view to landscape effect, though 
with some remote reference to a botanical classification. 
The Pinetum, which they have commenced in one portion 
of the grounds, contains seven varieties of Pines, nine va- 
rieties of Spruce, five of Cypress, six of Juniper, and two 
of Larch. 

The larger portion of the grounds is devoted to trees 
and grass ; but in appropriate places — especially those 
sections daily traversed by the students — shrubs and 
vines have been planted, and plots have been laid out in 
flower-beds, which are cultivated by the undergraduates. 
Quite recently, the curators have affixed labels to a large 
number of the rarer trees and shrubs, showing the botan- 
ical name of each, and its popular name and habitat. 

In addition to those portions of the grounds devoted 
to arboricultural purposes, and aside from them, sections 



COLLEGE CEMETERY. 161 

have been arranged for base-ball, croquet, and other 
games. Adjoining the park, also, is the college ceme- 
tery, which has recently been laid out in an appropriate 
manner, and which attracts many a visitor by its rural 
beauty and by its memorials of the honored and beloved 
dead. 1 

1 A fund of $1000 has recently been given to the college by Mr. Samuel A. 
Munson, of Utica, the annual interest of which is to be applied to the care and 
improvement of the cemetery. 
11 



CHAPTER VII. 

MANUFACTURES AND MINING. 

Before the establishment of factories driven by 
water-power, not a little handicraft was practiced in 
every household of the town of Kirkland. For instance : 
flax raised in the field, and wool grown on the backs of 
sheep, were carded and spun and woven into cloth by 
hand in our dwellings. On the introduction of machin- 
ery for these purposes, some sagacious people shook their 
heads, declaring that the fibre of the wool would be 
injured by the new processes, but they were soon obliged 
to give up this conservative notion. 

In the early part of the present century, Merino sheep 
began to be introduced into this country from Spain, 
and ere long a few found their way to this town. The 
first specimen brought here was reputed to have cost 
$1000. For all farmers of a speculating turn of mind 
the raising of fine-wooled sheep became the prevailing 
hobby. The Messrs. Sherrill, of New Hartford, had at 
one time a flock of nine hundred ; and on our own hill- 
sides they became so numerous as to be reckoned by 
thousands. Associations were formed in many places 
for the manufacture of woolen cloths, and one was 
organized here under the title of the " Clinton Woolen 
Manufacturing Company." Their building was erected 
in the year 1810, and is the same which, much enlarged, 
is now known as the Clinton Factory, and is owned by 



EARLY MANUFACTURES. 163 

the proprietors of Clarks' Mills. The enterprise was 
successful for a few years, and then ceased to be profita- 
ble. During the War of 1812, its broadcloths sold for 
twelve dollars a yard, and its satinets at a corresponding 
figure. 1 But on the return of peace, England flooded 
this country with her cloths so abundantly that the prod- 
ucts of Clinton looms had to be sold at two dollars a 
yard. Of course, the little factory here could not com- 
pete with foreign capital and cheap labor, and it ceased 
to yield returns to its stockholders. The property was 
first sold to the firm of Sharp and Hutton ; then it passed 
into several different hands, and the factory was for 
many years suspended. Under its present control and 
management as a cotton mill, it thrives vigorously. 

Some time before 1810, Mr. Amos Kellogg built a 
fulling-mill on the east side of Oriskany Creek, on Col- 
lege Street. He took the cloths made in the farm-houses 
of this vicinity and put them through the processes of 
dyeing, fulling, and shearing, thus fitting them for mar- 
ket and for use. He afterwards sold out to Mr. Clark 
Wood. The latter moved his machinery to the north side 
of the road to make room for a carding-machine which was 
soon put up on the same site by Messrs. Owen and Ben- 
nett. 

About sixty years ago, a nail factory was established 
on or near the mill-site now covered by William 
Healey's grist-mill on College Street. Mr. Silas But- 

1 The first valedictorian of Hamilton College was married in Clinton, during 
the reign of these high prices, and his wedding-suit was bought from this 
factory at the rate above mentioned. He was not so hard-pressed, however, 
as was a distinguished clergyman whose marriage-day came one winter, at a 
period of the Revolutionary War when no proper wedding-suit could be pur- 
chased; whereupon his fond mother had some of her sheep sheared and sewed 
up in blankets to keep them warm, so that the much-desired felicity might be 
onsummated. 



164 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

trick was one of the proprietors. The process of nail- 
making was then slow and laborious, the head of each 
nail being formed singly and by hand. This factory did 
not enrich its owners, and was soon closed. 

About forty years ago a hat factory was set up by 
Asa Marvin on the west corner of College Street and 
Franklin Street. The name of the proprietor, printed 
in large letters on the front of the building, may still 
be dimly seen through several coats of paint and abun- 
dant weather stains. How many years these works con- 
tinued in operation the writer cannot ascertain, but it is 
known that the introduction of steam and of improved 
machinery in the large establishments of our cities grad- 
ually rendered this primitive factory unprofitable. 

Quite early in the history of Kirkland, ' scythes were 
made by Woodruff & Kinney, at their factory near the 
present Farmers' Mill. Many persons now living can 
remember the steady rip-rap of their trip-hammer, 
which could be heard for several miles. Mowing-ma- 
chines, worked by horse-power, were then hardly dreamed 
of ; and the farmer's muscle was content with those of 
the " arm-strong pattern." 

Timothy Barnes used to manufacture clocks in Clinton, 
and the bells to strike within them. His casting of the 
first church bell in this town was only an enlargement 
of his regular business. Sylvester Munger repaired and 
regulated the earlier watches and clocks of Kirkland, 
and dealt somewhat in silver ware. It has often been 
reported that he manufactured the Communion service 
of the Congregational church in Clinton, but better 
testimony proves that it was made in New York. 

Erastus Barnes established the first pottery in this 
town, his works being nearly in the rear of the late Rev. 



POTTERY AND BRICK MAKING. 165 

Charles Jerome's residence on College Street. He found 
clay of an excellent quality on the Gleason farm, near 
Manchester, and his business was, for those times, large 
and lucrative. Mr. John B. Gregory succeeded him, and 
carried on the same industry for several years. He was 
quite a recluse, being seldom seen outside of his own 
premises. Yet he had a genial soul, and loved to scatter 
jokes and bits of humor among old and young who came 
to inspect his work or to buy his wares. He was a devout 
Methodist. Placing a lump of clay on his lathe, he would 
set his wheel a-spinning, and, while moulding pan or jug 
or other vessel, would burst into some old refrain, as — 

" Behold the potter and the clay ! 
He forms his vessels as he please." 1 

Brick have been made at different times in this town, 
of an excellent quality. The first were made by Dr 
Abel Sherman, on the land east of Mr. John Elliott's. 
house on Utica Street. From this yard came the bricks 
used in building the old brick school-house on the east 
side of the Village Green. The chimney of the first 
school-house in Deansville was made of this brick, and so 
were many of the first chimneys in Clinton. The method 
of reducing clay for making bricks here was this : A cir- 
cular pit some two feet deep and from fifteen to twenty 
feet in diameter, and floored and sided with inch boards, 
was prepared to receive the clay and sand in due pro- 
portions. Water was thrown on to bring the mass into 
proper consistency. Then two or more oxen were driven 
around the circle until the mixture was completed. Brick 
were also made at an early day on the John Kirkland 

1 Arminians, as well as Calvinists, will sometimes sing counter to their theol- 
ogy and the laws of grammar. 



166 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

farm, and on David Comstock's farm, near the present 
Houghton Seminary. The house now owned by B. S. 
Piatt, and the residences of the late Dr. Charles Barrows 
and of Dr. Austin Barrows, and of Josiah L. Cook, were 
built of brick from the last-named yard. Of the recent 
successful works of Robinson and Bronson my readers are 
well informed. 

About fifty years ago a few enterprising citizens com- 
menced the making of potash in Clinton, Dr. Noyes be- 
ing their scientific adviser. Their factory stood on the 
stream near the tannery of Bangs and Dillow on Utica 
Street. The new business sprang up, flourished, and ex- 
pired within a twelvemonth. Another was commenced 
near Manchester, which was on a larger scale and lived a 
longer life. 

Several tanneries have been established in this town 
within the past half century. Theophilus Redfield's stood 
near the foot of College Hill ; John Shapley's in the hol- 
low just east of the village ; Rufus Hayes' on the farm 
now owned by Seth K. Blair ; Bangs and Dillow's on 
Utica Street ; — and does it still survive ? 

As these pages have already chronicled, the first grist- 
mill in the town was erected in the year 1787 by Captain 
Cassety, on the east side of the Oriskany, just above 
College Street. At a later day Simeon Nelson built a 
grist-mill on the site now occupied by William Healey. 
A flouring-mill was erected at an early day, forty or fifty 
rods above the present Farmers' Mill. Afterwards it 
was moved down-stream and rebuilt under the name of 
Hart's Mill ; and subsequently it took its present desig- 
nation of Farmers' Mill. Ebenezer Thompson established 
a flour-mill in Manchester about 1818, which is still in 
operation near the former residence of A. B. Clark. 



SAW-MILLS AND OTHER MILLS. 167 

Of saw-mills the first was put in operation by Bronson 
Foot, in the summer of 1788, on the site now used by- 
Mr. Harrington. Another was built not many years 
later, near the upper end of the Dug- Way, and this was 
the first use made of the Oriskany as a water-power after 
it entered the town. On the spot now covered by Mr. 
Landers' chair factory there was once a saw-mill owned 
by Mr. Bliss. Ralph W. Kirkland had another a short 
distance below the present Franklin Iron Works. Mr. 
S. P. Landers' factory was established by him in 1861, 
and is still carried on successfully. 

In the year 1794 a deed was made by Mr. Bliss to 
Woodruff and Kinney, for a dike to be cut from his mill- 
pond (near Mr. Landers' present factory), through his 
land to the present location of the shop. The water- 
course having been dug, a trip-hammer shop was built 
for making scythes, hoes, and for common blacksmithing. 
After a few years Manross and Wicks became the pro- 
prietors. They sold one half of the shop to Charles 
Faber, who made nail-hammers. The next proprietors 
were Porter and Kelsey, who made hay-forks. After 
them came Mr. Wells, who made staves. The next pro- 
prietors were Biam and Hiram Davis, who made sash, 
blinds, and doors. The next owner was James Stewart, 
who made Excelsior shavings, and carried on the business 
of upholstery. During its occupancy by Col. Stewart, 
Mr. M. H. Jones manufactured axes to some extent. Suc- 
ceeding Col. Stewart came Messrs. Cooke and Case, who, 
during the war of the Rebellion, when cotton was high, 
dressed flax. Soon after this they turned their attention 
to the making of cotton-batting. The same manufac- 
ture is still carried on by C. O. Jones, the present pro- 
prietor. 



168 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

In a note communicating these facts, Rev. Mr. Landers 
observes : — 

" The dates of these several changes and transfers can- 
not now be learned with accuracy, without reference to 
the county records ; but for the variety of business done 
within its walls, I think no building in the town of Kirk- 
laud can equal the old Trip-hammer Shop." 

About the year 1830, a Mr. Hurd established a small 
factory on a little stream between Clinton and Deans- 
ville, for the making of German silver spoons. He soon 
ventured to coin money, secretly, and to circulate it 
through his agents in other parts of the country. His 
business becoming at length an object of suspicion, he 
suddenly left this region for parts unknown. The settle- 
ment where he lived has since borne the name of Bogus- 
ville. 

The small stream known as the Sherman Brook, and 
which crosses Utica Street near the tannery of Bangs and 
Dillow, was once used for milling purposes on a small 
scale. Near the cross-road on the eastern limits of the 
town it propelled a- saw-mill owned by Judah Stebbins 
and Zadok Loomis.. A little farther down-stream it 
drove a grist-mill owned by Timothy Barnes and his 
sons. After a few years this property was sold and con- 
verted into a distillery. Mr. Gaius Butler tells us that 
the new proprietors began business with the high moral 
purpose " to make a pure whiskey that would not intox- 
icate." Precisely how they did this we do not know ; but 
the tradition goes that the water of their mill-race was 
used for more than a single purpose. 1 

1 Let it be noted here that in the ravine through which this stream runs, 
the stones were quarried for building the college chapel and North College, and 
the Stone Church in the village. 



COTTON FACTORY AT MANCHESTER. 169 

Still farther down-stream was the saw-mill of John 
Bird, and lower still stood one built by Thomas Parmele. 
These several mills have now all disappeared, though the 
remains of their foundation walls or of their dams may 
in some instances still be seen. They depended for their 
working force largely upon dissolving snows and copious 
rains, and hence were unprofitable in the long run, 
especially as they had to compete with others in the 
same town of ampler size and driven by a large and 
permanent stream. 

Here let it be mentioned also, that two furnaces for 
working up scrap-iron were established in Clinton within 
the past fifty years, namely, one by Lewis Pond, in the 
hollow directly east of the Village Green, and another 
by Andrew Pond, on the Manchester road, just north of 
Mr. Gunn's house. Both were of short duration. 

A cotton factory was built at Manchester, in the year 
1815, the name given in its charter being " The Man- 
chester Manufacturing Company." Its capital stock 
was $100,000. The works were put up on a contract 
by Thomas R. Gold, Theodore Sill r and John Young, 
and the building was stocked with such machinery as 
was then in use. 

The power-loom was not known at that time, and all 
the cloth of this period was woven by hand. From this 
factory a large amount was put out into private families 
far and near, some of it being sent from twenty to thirty 
miles for weaving. The price paid for weaving was 
eight cents a yard. On the introduction of the power- 
loom and other improvements in machinery, the cost of 
manufacturing was so much reduced that in a few years 
the cloth was sold for six and eight cents per yard. 

In 1831, the factory was enlarged, and ninety-six 



170 HISTORY OF TEE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

looms and other new machinery were added. In the 
year 1854, the factory was burned to the ground, and 
was not rebuilt. During the past year, a blast furnace, 
called " The Clinton Iron Works," has been built on the 
site of the old factory, and uses the same water-power. 

IRON ORE MINES. 

The most important manufacturing industry ever 
organized in the town of Kirkland is the blast furnace, 
known as the Franklin Iron Works. The iron here pro- 
duced is made from ore dug from the neighboring hill- 
sides. This ore was discovered quite early in the history 
of Kirkland, on the farm of the late James D. Stebbins ; 
and it lay so near the surface that it was turned up by 
the plowman while preparing his field for a crop. Pat- 
rick little knew that he had uncovered the most useful 
of all minerals. Since then, it has been found in many 
places along the eastern and western slopes of the town. 
For many years it was dug in small quantities, and 
carried to Taberg, Constantia, and Walesville, where it 
was worked into pig-iron ; but the business of mining 
did not flourish to any great extent until the Franklin 
Iron Works went into operation in 1852. 

From an instructive paper read by Mr. John E. 
Elliott, before the Clinton Rural Art Society, in Decem- 
ber, 1864, I glean the following facts : — 

Iron ores are found in various parts of Oneida County. 
The deposits run across the county in northwest and 
southeast lines. They crop out first in the western 
parts of the county, in the town of Verona, near Oneida 
Lake. A considerable amount of ore was drawn from 
this bed in former years, but after the opening of the 
richer beds in the town of Kirkland, these old deposits 
were abandoned. 



IRON ORE MINES. 171 

Iron has been found and mined in several parts of the 
town of Westmoreland. "It is a little remarkable," 
says Mr. Elliott, " that the Hecla Furnace Company- 
drew a large part of their ore from the town of Kirk- 
land, a distance of six miles, driving their teams over an 
undiscovered bed of ore lying near the surface within 
one mile of their own works, and with an abundance of 
it in the immediate vicinity." Passing southward into 
the town of Kirkland, we find it again on the farms of 
Messrs. Healey, Gunn, and Norton, from which beds 
much has already been drawn to the Franklin furnace. 
At this point the Oriskany Valley cuts the vein in two. 
Crossing the valley in a southeasterly direction, we find 
the ore again on the Kellogg farm, where it has been 
mined extensively. From this point it extends easterly, 
cropping out on the farms of Henry L. Barker, James 
D. Stebbins, and Charles Wells. Beyond this last- 
named land the vein becomes thin and of a poor quality. 
It however reappears in New Hartford, and is of con- 
siderable richness, though not abundant. 

The ores of the town of Kirkland, " when properly 
sorted," says Mr. Elliott, "and melted with charcoal, will 
make about fifty per cent, iron ; melted with anthracite 
coal, from forty to forty-five per cent. The Westmore- 
land ore will not make over thirty to thirty-five per 
cent. ; the Verona ore still less. In New Hartford, on 
the west side of the Sanquoit Valley, it would probably 
be about twenty-five per cent. On the east side of the 
valley, it is as rich as the Kirkland ores." 

The ores of this region when used alone make the 
finest of castings for ornamental purposes ; in their molten 
state they flow like water, and fill up every part of the 
mould with perfect nicety. A large portion of the iron 



172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

made in this town is used for stoves, and other castings 
requiring a high finish. It is not suitable for making 
railroad iron or wrought iron bars, because it lacks in 
strength ; but when mixed with other ores, it is valuable 
for such purposes. At Poughkeepsie, it is used for 
making pig-iron in about equal proportions with the 
Lake Champlain and hematite ores. At Buffalo, it is 
mixed with the Kingston magnetic and the Lake Superior 
ores, and makes an excellent grade of railroad bars, 
chairs, spokes, etc. The Kirklaiid iron is largely used 
in the manufacture of the famous Fairbanks' Scales. 

The iron ore of Kirkland is a greater source of wealth 
to the town than many suppose. The product of the 
several mines is now about thirty-five thousand tons a 
year ; and when the new furnace at Manchester is com- 
pleted, it will be greatly augmented. 

THE FRANKLIN IRON WORKS. 

The existence of numerous beds of iron ore in this 
town early suggested the project of building a furnace 
for their reduction here. For it seemed plain that if 
furnace-companies in other towns could afford to draw 
the ores of Kirkland to their distant works and find it 
profitable to do so, then it would be more profitable to 
manufacture the iron here ; since it would cost less to 
bring the fuel to the ore, than to carry the ore to the 
fuel. 

In the year 1850, a company was formed in this town 
for the manufacture of iron, consisting of the following 
persons: Lester Barker, Mills and Parker, S. P. Landers, 
Miss L. M. Barker, H. H. Kellogg, Henry L. Barker, 
Thomas J. Sawyer, Rollin Root, Frederic Tuttle, Morris 
S. Wood, John E. Elliott, John R. McConnell, and John 



FRANKLIN IRON WORKS. 173 

Owston. The capital stock was $16,000. It was re- 
solved to build a furnace of sufficient capacity to make 
from six to ten tons of iron per day. The construction 
of the works was commenced in January, 1851, and con- 
tinued through the year. In the progress of this enter- 
prise, Mr. Jonas Tower, of Crown Point, a man well 
skilled in the manufacture of iron, was employed to 
superintend the work here, and he soon advised the 
company to build a larger furnace than they had at first 
projected. As the original stockholders were unable to 
furnish the capital required for this enlargement, a new 
company was formed early in the year 1852, with Mr. 
Alfred Munson, of Utica, and Mr. Tower as additional 
stockholders, and with the capital stock increased to 
832,000. The work of construction was then resumed, 
and carried forward to completion. 

Since this beginning of the manufacture of iron here, 
the works of the company have been greatly enlarged 
and improved. In the words of Mr. Landers (to whom 
I am indebted for the foregoing statistics), " This fur- 
nace has made a blast of four years and ten months' 
duration, probably the longest ever made by any furnace 
in this country, if not in the world. It has converted 
the ores which had been lying waste under the ground 
since the creation, into useful products, has increased the 
resources of those who projected it, and has helped for- 
ward in many ways the best interests of the town of 
Kirkland." 

In the year 1864, the furnace property passed into 
the hands, of a new corporation, with the following 
officers : O. B. Matteson, president ; E. B. Armstrong, 
vice-president; Delos DeWolf, treasurer; H. S. Arm- 
strong, managing trustee ; C. H. Smythe, secretary. 
The capital stock was then increased to $ 100,000. 



174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

The first stack was of sufficient capacity to produce 
one hundred tons of iron per week. In 1869-70, a new 
stack was built which now makes one hundred and sixty 
tons a week, using about three hundred and fifty tons 
of ore and two hundred and forty tons of coal for the 
same. This stack was constructed with an iron casing 
resting upon six columns. It is fifty-five feet high, and 
fourteen feet diameter at the base. The furnace, as now 
arranged, is blown by a direct acting engine, which was 
manufactured by Knowles & Sibley, of Warren, Massa- 
chusetts. The blowing cylinder is seven feet diameter, 
and ten feet stroke. 

The old stack was rebuilt in the year 1871, and was 
made of the same capacity as the new one. It was put 
in operation in the summer of 1872. Both stacks have 
closed tops. The waste gas is brought down to the 
ground, and is used for making steam and heating the 
blast. 

CLAEKS' MILLS. 

In the summer of the year 1846, a cotton factory was 
established on the Oriskany Creek, near the northern line 
of the town, by Messrs. Ralph Clark, Eneas P. Clark, 
and A. B. Clark. This factory, as well as the settle- 
ment which grew up around it, was styled Clarks' Mills. 

The corner-stone of the main building was laid June 
16, and the brick-work was finished November 14. It 
was four stories high, two hundred and seventy-five feet 
long, seventy feet wide, with a wing in the rear of about 
one half the dimensions of the main building. One him- 
dred and eleven looms were set in place April, 1849. 
Spinning began in April, and carding in May. Subse- 
quently the woolen factory at Clinton and the Peckville 
Mills were purchased, the first being at the time thor- 



CLINTON IRON COMPANY. 175 

oughly repaired and enlarged, and the latter rebuilt. A 
mill for making batting and rope was also established at 
Clarks' Mills by the company. 

In the year 1873 the factory changed its proprietors. 
The officers of the new company are W. A. Ogden Hege- 
man, president ; George W. Adams, secretary ; Edgar 
B. Clark, treasurer ; William Allison, receiver and book- 
keeper ; and William Young, superintendent. The pres- 
ent number of looms in operation is two hundred and 
eighteen. The Central Mills manufacture on an average 
30,000 yards of sheeting per week ; and their annual pro- 
duction is expected to reach 1,750,000 yards. The Clin- 
ton Mills produce about 700,000 yards annually, of den- 
ims and ticking. The number of operatives employed by 
the company is two hundred and fifty, and more will be 
added in the course of this year. The capital stock of 
the corporation is $500,000. 

THE CLINTON IRON COMPANY • 

was organized in November, 1872, with a capital of 
$100,000. The officers are Theodore W. D wight, 
LL. D., president; S. A. Bunce, vice-president; Theo- 
dore Avery, secretary and treasurer ; B. S. Piatt, super- 
intendent. The furnace is located at Manchester, on the 
site of the old cotton factory. Several farms containing 
ore have been purchased by the company. The stack, 
which was commenced in April, is now finished. It is 
forty-eight feet high from the hearth, forty feet being 
of stone and eight feet of iron. The base is thirty-one 
feet square on the outside. The bosh is thirteen feet 
in diameter. It is expected that this stack will produce 
fifteen tons of iron daily. The stack-house is sixty feet 
by one hundred, and the cast-house is fifty feet by one 



176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

hundred and ten. The wheel-house is thirty-six feet by 
forty. 

The furnace is connected with the Rome and Clinton 
Railroad by a switch one half mile in length. It is ex- 
pected that the works will commence the manufacture of 
iron in January 1874. 

CHEESE FACTORIES. 

Cheese factories were established in this town about 
twelve years ago, and have proved 'to be quite an impor- 
tant industry. The sale of milk has not only yielded a 
fair profit to the farmer, but has relieved the farmer's 
family from a great burden of care and labor. 

The first company organized was that at Manchester, 
in the fall of 1862. Its original capital was 82000, 
afterwards increased to $3000. Its first officers were 
Benjamin Barnes, president ; George W. Pixley, secre- 
tary; and E. C. Lewis, treasurer. 

The factory has received the milk from four hundred 
to six hundred and fifty cows, annually, varying in num- 
ber from year to year. The amount of cheese made in 
1863 was 112,154 pounds. In 1866, it was 149,658 
pounds. In 1867, it was 159,480 pounds. In 1871, owing 
to the high price of butter, it was only 74,466 pounds. In 
1872, the factory was leased for three years to Jones, 
Faulkner & Co., of Utica, for the manufacture of butter 
and cheese. They use at present the milk of four hun- 
dred and fifty cows. 

In the year 1864, a cheese factory was set up in the 
Chuckery district by a stock company, consisting of J. 
H. Hubbard, Alfred Jones, Robert W. Evans, Enos Pot- 
ter, and W. W. Palmer. From that time to the pres- 
ent their constituency of cows has ranged from three 



CHEESE FACTORIES. 177 

hundred to six hundred. The amount of cheese made 
has also varied from 85,000 to 182,000 pounds annually. 
The prices received have ranged from ten cents to 
twenty-six and a half cents per pound. This factory 
is in operation from May 1 to October 1 of each year. 
At present Enos Potter is treasurer of the company, and 
R. W. Evans secretary. 

The factory at Franklin was established by Thomas 
T. Sawyer, Jr., in 1866. The first year it made 
100,630 pounds of cheese, which sold for $17,310.89. 
From that time to the present its sales have ranged from 
$20,493.46, to $11,768.71. In 1872 its sales were 
$12,654,04. For the first two years Cyrus Nichols was 
superintendent ; since then it has been under the man- 
agement of Charles B. Van Slyke. For the first year 
R. Ferris was treasurer ; since then its accounts have been 
kept by Thomas H. Brockway. 
12 



CHAPTER VIII. 

OF MANY THINGS. 

This history would be incomplete without some rec- 
ord of those men who were prominent here at an early- 
day in the several professions and in the pursuits of busi- 
ness. Accordingly, I mention of Physicians, the names of 
Sewall Hopkins, Seth Hastings, John Fitch, and Emory 
Bissell. Of Lawyers, Joseph Symonds, William Dowes, 
William Hotchkiss, John Kirkland, Ebenezer Griffin, 
Julius Pond, and Othniel Williams. Of Merchants, 
George W. Kirkland, Ralph Kirkland, Thomas Hart, 
and his two sons Ephraim and Thomas, Job Herrick, 
Chauncey Gridley, Orlando Hastings, Eurotas Hastings, 
Joseph Stebbins, Orrin Gridley, and Solomon Lamberton. 
Of Farmers, the more prominent were Nathaniel Griffin, 
Eli Bristol, Joel Bristol, Samuel Kirkland, David Corn- 
stock, Ozias Marvin, Solomon Gleason, Jesse Curtis, 
Barnabas Pond, James Bronson, Samuel Roy r ce, Judah 
and Joseph Stebbins, Salmon Butler, Aaron Kellogg, 
Amos Kellogg, David Pixley, Reuben Gridley, John 
Hart, and others hardly less conspicuous. 

The streets laid out at the first settlement of the place 
were the following : the street leading from the Village 
Green to Utica, with that which branches off from it at 
the right and runs easterly through the Butler and Steb- 
bins' neighborhood, and formerly called Brimfield Street ; 
the streets running from the southeast corner of the 



MODES OF COMMUNICATION. 179 

Green to Chuckery and to Paris Hill ; College Street, 
with the road branching off from it at Professor Dwight's 
and leading to Deansville, and the two streets branching 
from it north and south at the foot of College Hill ; the 
street running from the village directly north to Manches- 
ter, with the road branching from it near the old ceme- 
tery, and leading to Lairdsville. 

Mulberry Street was opened in the year 1833 or 1834. 
William Street, Marvin Street, and Chestnut Street were 
opened in 1850 ; Canal Street in 1851 ; Meadow Street 
in 1856 ; Franklin Avenue in 1858 ; Elm Street in 1861 ; 
Prospect Street in 1864 ; and North College Street in 
1873. 

The Chenango Canal which leads from Utica to Bing- 
hamton, and crosses this town diagonally from northeast 
to southwest, was constructed during the years 1834-35. 
The lockage of this canal within the limits of the town 
is about two hundred feet. 

A plank road, leading from Utica to Waterville, and 
passing through this town, was built in the year 1848. It 
was for many years a great convenience to the public, 
and was profitable to the stockholders ; but since the con- 
struction of the several railroads in this county it has de- 
clined in importance and value. 

In the year 1854 a telegraph line was opened between 
Oxford and Utica. John Foote, of Hamilton, was the 
first president of the company ; and John H. Tower was 
the superintendent of the office in this place for several 
years. In the course of five years, the enterprise not 
proving very profitable, the stock was transferred to the 
Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Company. It was after- 
wards sold to the Western Union Telegraph Company, 
by whom the business of the line has since been con- 
ducted. 



180 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

An express office was opened here in the year 1858, 
under the charge of Gen. Samuel Comstock. The busi- 
ness at that time was very small, but has since greatly 
increased. It is now conducted by the American Ex- 
press Company. 

In the year 1845 a bank was established in Clinton by 
Orrin Gridley, he being its proprietor and president. 
It was named the Kirkland Bank. It was reasonably 
profitable to its manager, and was in many ways helpful 
to the business of the town. On the decease of Mr. 
Gridley, in April, 1847, the bank passed into the hands 
of his son, Albert G. Gridley^ who conducted it until the 
fall of 1854. At this time the bank, not proving suffi- 
ciently remunerative, its circulating notes were called in 
and its affairs closed. 

Subsequently an exchange office was opened by E. S. 
Hopkins, and was continued for a year or more. 

In 1862 the Lincoln Bank was established, with Wil- 
liam H. Marston as president, and Henry M. Burchard 
as cashier. It was discontinued in June, 1864. 

In January, 1866, a banking house was opened by 
George Bissell & Co., in the building formerly occupied 
by the Kirkland Bank. Mr. Philip J. Hart was the 
cashier. It was closed in August, 1868. 

Another banking house was established January 19, 
1870, by Messrs. Bunce and Dunbar, in the building al- 
ready referred to, on the east side of the park. It is still 
in successful operation as a bank of deposit and for the 
negotiation of drafts and loans. 

The village of Clinton obtained from the Legislature a 
charter of incorporation, April 12, 1843. Its charter was 
amended and considerably enlarged March 25, 1862 ; and 
it was amended a second time April 2, 1866, and a third 
time in 1873. 



NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES. 181 

The population of the to™ of Kirkland at present 
CISTS), is about four thousand and fifty. The popula- 
tion of the village of Clinton is eighteen hundred. 

On the 10th of July, 1846, the first newspaper was 
issued in Clinton, by L. W. Payne, under <£»»»£ 
.. The Clinton Signal." After two years, certain mem 
bers of the senior class in Hamilton College proposed to 
the proprietor a change in the name and style of the pa- 
per and offered their assistance in its editorial manage- 
ment and in procuring subscribers. He -eded to he, 
request, the paper being called " The Radtator and m 
its new form, a neat quarto of eight pages. The tan, 
nary shone well for a time. But at the end of twelve 
months it went out ; in other words it dm not prove re- 
munerative and was given up, and the old name and style 
of the paper resumed. 

In the year 1852 the publication of the paper was sus- 
pended. Not long after this Mr. Payne, having associ- 
ated with himself Ira D. Brown, started a new paper 
called " The Oneida Chief," which, with some changes 
of ownership, continued in existence ^several year. .In 
1856 Mr. Payne sold his paper to Francis E. Merntt. 
About a yea/afterward Mr. Merritt sold it to > the ^ 
Galen H. Osborne, who adopted the name of Chief and 
Courier " Mr. Osborne was a spirited editor, but his paper 
did not enrich him. In August, 1859 ; M. * *J™£ 
purchased the paper, and has continued its publication to 
L present time" Under Mr. Raymond's management 
it has been well conducted; and we are happy to know 
that, in connection with the business of job-printing, it 
has proved profitable to its proprietor. 

^agricultural paper styled « The Northern Farmer 
was established here, by T. B. Miner, m the year 1852. 



182 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAXD. 

At first it was a monthly of sixteen pages. In 1854 a 
forty-eight page edition of " The Farmer" was issued in 
connection with the original paper. In January, 1856, 
" The Rural American" was added, a weekly quarto of 
eight pages. Not long afterwards both editions of " The 
Farmer " were dropped, and " The Rural American " 
continued in their place. This latter paper was subse- 
quently changed into a semi-monthly, and in its new 
form attained a marked success. At the close of the 
year 1855 it numbered nearly twenty-four thousand sub- 
scribers. In the year 1868 the paper was removed to 
New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

The project of a railroad from Utica to Binghamton 1 
through the Oriskany and Chenango valleys, was agitated 
at times for many years ; but the first company for that 
purpose was organized in 1853. A large amount of stock 
was subscribed, the route was surveyed and in some sec- 
tions located, and the right of way obtained. In June, 
1854, Mr. James Hall, the chief engineer of the company, 
prepared and published an extended report, showing 
clearly the feasibility and importance of the enterprise. 
But the protracted illness of Alfred Munson, Esq., of 
Utica, the able and efficient president of the company, 
delayed the commencement of the work, and his death 
in 1854, led to its abandonment, and the dissolution of 
the company. 

In 1859 the Legislature of the State passed an act 
granting a charter to build a railroad on the berme-bank 
of the Chenango Canal ; but as the company was re- 
stricted to the use of horse-power, which was not deemed 
sufficient for so long a route and so important a work, 
the company was never organized. 

1 This sketch was prepared by Hon. 0. S. Williams, President of the Utica, 
Clinton, and Binghamton Kajlroad. 



RAILROAD PROJECTS. 183 

In 1862 the railroad project was revived, and in differ- 
ent forms was pressed with much energy. The Utica 
City Railroad Company was organized, and in 1868 built 
a street road from Utica to New Hartford. In 1861 the 
charter of this company was enlarged, the route extended, 
and the steam-road from New Hartford to Clinton was 
built, and trains commenced running upon it in Septem- 
ber, 1866. 

Finally in July, 1867, the charter was again enlarged, 
and the route extended under the name of the Utica, 
Clinton, and Binghamton Railroad Company, with a 
capital of one million of dollars. The road was com- 
pleted to Deansville in December, 1867, to Oriskany 
Falls in December, 1868, and to Hamilton and Smith's 
Valley, in the comity of Madison, in September, 1870, 
where it formed a j miction with the New York and Os- 
wego Midland Railroad. In 1871 the company built a 
steam-road from New Hartford to Utica, and the whole 
route from Utica to Smith's Valley was completed and 
put in operation. The length of the steam-road is thirty- 
two miles, and its cost, including the equipment and roll- 
ing stock was about $1,200,000. 

In December, 1871, the road was permanently leased 
to the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad Com- 
pany, with the guaranty of the Delaware and Hudson 
Canal Company,- and it is now operated by them greatly 
to the advantage of the lessees and the public. 

The Rome and Clinton Railroad Company was or- 
ganized May 24, 1869. Its directors elected the follow- 
ing officers: namely, William S. Bartlett, President; E. 
B. Armstrong, Vice-President ; A. W. Mills, Secretary ; 
Bloomfield J. Beach, Treasurer. Subscriptions to the 
stock in considerable amount were obtained, and the 



184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

several towns along the line of the road were bonded as 
follows : Kirkland, for $40,000 ; Westmoreland, for 
$40,000 ; Rome, for $60,000. The right of way hav- 
ing been obtained, and sufficient private subscriptions 
secured, mostly in Kirkland and Rome, the directors 
proceeded to let the contract for building the road, on 
the 28th of October 1870, to Willis, Phelps & Company. 
The road was completed in the fall of 1871. It was 
then leased to the New York and Oswego Midland Rail- 
road Company, and said lease was guarantied by the 
Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Said lease runs 
for ninety-nine years, and includes a perpetual renewal 
of its charter. The cost of building the road was 
$870,000 ; and it is rented for $25,000 per annum, pay- 
able every six months. 

PATEIOTISM OF THE TOWN OF KIKKLAND. 

It would be unpardonable in us to make no record of 
the patriotism of the inhabitants of Kirkland. We only 
regret that our knowledge of what they suffered and 
achieved is so small. All that can now be learned is as 
follows : — 

Of those who served in the War of the Revolution, 
this is the Roll of Honor : 

Captain Bullen, John Blunt, 

Captain Moses Foot, David Comstock, 

Captain Look, Samuel Curtiss, 

Andrew Blanchard, Thomas Goodsell, 

Charles Bartholomew, Ozias Marvin, 

Phineas Bell, Stephen Markham, 

Eli Bristol, Barnabas Pond, 

Samuel Bingham, Philemon Trowbridge, 

Numan Blodgett, Smith, 

John Bullen, Stillman. 



ROLL OF HONOR. 185 

Of those who served in the War of 1812, the follow- 
ing is the Roll, as far as it can now be made out : — 
Captain Isaac Benedict, James Groves, 
Captain Orrin Gridley, Thomas Hart, 

Lieut. Samuel Comstock, Franklin Hickox, 
Ensign Orange Foot, George Hickox, 

William Anderson, Silas T. Ives, 

Lester Barker, Henry Kellogg, 

John Crocker, William Marvin, 

Horace Foot, Noble Morse, 

Silas Foot, Chester Parmelee, 

Orsamus Gleason, Phineas Pearl, 

Naaman Goodsell, James D. Stebbins. 

In the year 1814, Lieut. Samuel Comstock was pro- 
moted to the rank of Adjutant General. 

On the breaking; out of the Southern Rebellion in the 
year 1861, the inhabitants of Kirkland showed themselves 
loyal to the Union, and ready to do their part in pre- 
serving it. A large meeting of citizens was held at the 
Clinton House, April 24, 1861, at which stirring speeches 
were uttered and patriotic resolutions were passed, and 
subscriptions made for the benefit of volunteers and 
their families. Soon afterward, military companies were 
formed in this neighborhood, which received many re- 
cruits from Clarks' Mills, Healey's Mills, Clinton and 
Hamilton College. National flags were thrown out from 
school-buildings, church-spires, and from many private 
houses. Clergymen preached often and earnestly upon 
the paramount duty of sustaining the government in the 
great struggle already begun. The ladies organized be- 
nevolent societies for providing clothing and other com- 
forts for the soldiers. These articles were sent on, from 
time to time, to the seat of war, and contributed much to 
the health and happiness of the young men from Kirkland. 



186 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

As the war progressed from year to year, and new 
supplies of fighting men were called for by the President, 
bounties were offered by the town to all volunteers, 
amounting, at one time, to $300 for each soldier. These 
bounties were raised by taxation. 

Of those who enlisted under the several calls of the 
government, from April 1861 to April 1865, the follow- 
ing is believed to be a complete list : — 

Avery, Edward W., U. S. Navy. 

Aitkins, Thomas, 146th Regt. 

Aitkins, William, 146th Regt. 

Abbott, Sidney M., 36th 111. Regt. 

Abbott, A. M. 

Abbott, Emory. 

Abbott, Newell J. 

Armstrong, Amos P., 117th Regt. 

Armstrong, Richard. 

Adams, James M. 

Anderson, Henry. 

Ayer, John. 

Ashley, Charles G., 146th Regt. Died in Anderson- 
ville prison. 

Ackerman, John, 26th Regt. 

Armstrong, James. 

A them, John S. 

Allen, Jacob. 

Allen, Edward. 

Bates, Benjamin, 26th Regt. 

Blanchard, Daniel N., 146th Regt. 

Blake, Peter, Serg., 146th Regt. 

Bartholomew, Wm. L., Capt., 117th Regt. 

Barton, Thos. W., 117th Regt. 

Baxter, James, 101st Regt. 



SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 187 

Bronson, James C, Col., 57tli Regt. 

Bryden, John, Jr., 117th Regt. 

Bryden, M. C, 26th Regt. 

Brown, Charles, 14th Regt. 

Button, L. D. 

Brockway, Dr. A. N., Surgeon. 

Bartholomew, Geo. A., Corp. Killed at Fort Fisher. 

Bass, Levi, 117th Regt. Wounded. 

Bass, Jeremiah, 26th Regt. 

Bennett, Julius, 117th Regt. 

Bennett, Seymour. 

Bennett, Charles. 

Bradley, George, 117th Regt. Killed in service. 

Bodis, John. 

Bice, Peter. 

Butts, Charles A. 

Burns, Peter, 26th Regt. 

Benjamin, O. D., 26th Regt. 

Burrill, Alonzo. 

Budd, Francis. 

Budd, Samuel A. 

Byron, H. M. 

Carr, Henry. Died in service. 

Carr, Archibald. 

Catlin, Samuel, 14th Regt. 

Catlin, Charles, 146th Regt. 

Campbell, Wm, 146th Regt. 

Camp, Albert, 8th N. Y. Cav. 

Camp, Willard, 117th Regt. 

Casey, James, 57th Regt. 

Cabot, Frederic. 

Chapman, Isaac, 146th Regt. 

Clark, Nathaniel F. 



188 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Cooley, 0. B., 26th Regt. 

Crossman, Jas. B., 97th Regt. Killed in service. 
Conlon, Michael. 
Conick, Robert, 26th Regt. 
Covil, David. 
Coyle, John. 
Crumb, Percival. 

Crumb, William, 146th Regt. Died in service. 
Curtiss, Jesse, 101st Regt. 
Dayton, Oscar W., Bates' Battery. 
Demarse, John, 57th Regt. 
Deans, James, 146th Regt. 
Dillow, Richard, 146th Regt. 
Doyle, Patrick. 
Donnelly, John, 57th Regt. 
Donovan, Michael. 
Duffy, John. 
Duffy, Patrick. 

Dunster, William, 117th Regt. 
Ernst, John D., Serg., 117th Regt. 
England, Robert W., Serg., 146th Regt. Killed at 
Gettysburg. 

England, Francis A., 146th Regt. 
Elphick, Charles, 35th Regt. 
Fay, Owen. 

Fay, Patrick, 101st Regt. 
Farrington, Samuel, 146th Regt. 
Farley, James, 4th Artillery. 
Finian, Christian, 57th Regt. 
Ferry, Eugene, 8th N. Y. Regt. 
French, Ephraim, 146th Regt. 
Fredericks, Godfrey, 146th Regt. 
Fogus, Walter. 



SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 189 

Fuller, Henry. Died. 

Fuller, Frederic J., 14th Regt. 

Flynn, Richard, 117th Regt. Killed in service. 

Garland, Frank, 61st N. Y. Regt. 

Gainer d, Thomas. 

Green, Martin. 

Grinnell, Charles, 101st Regt. 

Griffin, Frederic A., 57th Regt. Died in service. 

Griffin, William. 

Gridley, Henry. 

Goodfellow, Henry. 

Goodfellow, John T., 146th Regt. 

Goodman, B. F. 

Goodman, Albert, 57th Regt. 

Goodman, William. 

Gruman, Charles C, Serg., 117th Regt. Wounded. 

Hassam, Lorin. 

Hallam, Charles. 

Haywood, Caleb, 117th Regt. Died in service. 

Harrington, Edward, Serg., 117th Regt. 

Harrington, Jeremiah. 

Harrington, James, 57th Regt. 

Hannegan, William, 3d Artillery. 

Hannegan, Michael. 

Hannegan, James. 

Haver, Augustus, 12th Regt. 

Healey, William H. 

Harrison, John M. 

Habersham, Charles. 

Heacox, Samuel. 

Heacox, Charles. 

Herder, Joseph, 57th Regt. 

Hill, Thomas. 



190 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

Hill, Samuel. 

Hill, John, 57th Regt. 

Hinckley, N. B., Serg., 117th Regt. Died in ser- 
vice. 

Holt, Adam. 

Homer, Porter J. 

Howard, Henry, Colored Regt. 

Howe, Alonzo. Died in service. 

Howe, Lester. 

Homes, Samuel E., 117th Regt. Died in prison. 

Hubbard, F. H. 

Huntley, Thomas. 

Hyde, Samuel, 146th Regt. 

Ingraham, Frank, 146th Regt. 

Ives, George H., 14th Regt. 

Jackson, John, 146th Regt. 

Jackson, Farrar, 146th Regt. Killed in service. 

Jenkins, Martin, 117th Regt. 

Jones, S. 

Johnson, Charles. 

Johnson, Thomas, 146th Regt. 

Kennedy, Daniel, 57th Regt. 

Kenyon, Hartwell, 117th Regt. Died in service. 

Kenyon, Charles H., 117th Regt. 

Kellogg, George W. 

Kinne, E. O., Bates' Battery. 

Kirkland, Ralph T., 146th Regt. 

Kirkwood, John. 

Kilmurry, Michael, 16th Artillery. 

Lathrop, Win. H., Col., 39th Ohio. Killed in ser- 
vice. 

Lathrop, Charles, 117th Regt. 

Lathrop, Joseph, 57th Regt. 



SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 191 

Lathrop, John C. 

Lapham, Francis, 8th N. Y. Cav. 
' Linebeck, Nelson. 

Loorais, Henry, Capt., 146th Regt. 

Lord, Austin, 146th Regt. 

Lord, James, 146th Regt. 

Lucas, Orrin C. 

Lucas, Albert W. 

Ludlow, Patrick. 

Lyman, Thomas H. 

Mahan, Charles P., 146th Regt. 

Mannering, George W., 101st N. Y. 

Marsh, John D. 

Marsh, N. B., 57th Regt. 

MacBride, John, 14th Regt. 

MacCluskey, Paul, 26th Regt. 

MacQueen, N. M. 

Maxted, James, 14th Regt. 

MacEntee, Hiram, 146th Regt. 

MacEntee, Emmet, 57th Regt. 

Markham, Charles. 

Mercer, Thomas. 

Miller, Henry H., Corp., 117th Regt. Wounded at 
Petersburg. 

Miller, Samuel, 117th Regt. 

Miller, David, 146th Regt. 

Miller, George, 26th Regt. 

Miller, Frank, 146th Regt. 

Miller, John. 

Miner, Oscar P., 101st Regt. 

Miner, Cary C, 26th Regt. 

Morgan, Edward. 

Mosher, Augustus. 



192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 

Mooney, Francis, 8th N. Y. Cav. Killed. 

Morgan, Patrick, 57th Regt. 

Munger, Wesley B. 

M unger, Levi. Died in service. 

Murphy, Edward, Corp., 117th Regt. Killed. 

Neenan, . 

Nolan, Michael. 

Northrop, . 

Owston, William N., Bates' Battery. 
Patten, R. D., 26th Regt. 
Pratt, Benjamin. 

Pratt, P. . 

Payne, George W., 57th Regt. 

Payne, David H. 

Pegan, James. 

Phelps, Fordyce, 146th Regt. 

Pearl, George W., 117th Regt. 

Petch, Thomas. 

Peters, Valentine, Lieut., 26th Regt. 

Phillips, Arthur. 

Pixley, Austin M. 

Powell, Isaac P., Major, 146th Regt. 

Powell, Jeremiah. 

Powers, William H., 117th Regt. 

Quinn, Edward. 

Rathbun, John, 117th Regt. 

Raymond, Samuel W. Jr., Serg., 146th Regt. 

Reed, Archibald, 26th Regt. 

Reed, Thomas. 

Reed, Henry. 

Reese, David, 146th Regt. 

Reed, George W. Killed at Fort Fisher. 

Reyon, Robert. 



SOLDIERS IN THE UNION ARMY. 193 

Richmond, Joseph C, 117th Regt. Died in service. 

Richardson, Edward, 146th Regt. 

Richardson, Joseph. 

Rice, James. 

Rodice, John, 117th Regt. 

Rowler, Andrew T. 

Robinson, George, 

Robinson, Lewis. 

Ross, David, 14th N. Y. Inf. 

Russell, Benjamin F. Killed in service. 

Sanford, W. EL, 26th Regt. 

Sanford, D. 

Sanders, . 

Sayre, Thomas H., 146th Regt. Died at Anderson- 
ville. 

Sawyer, Thomas J., Major, 47th Regt. 

Sawyer, Oscar G. 

Sawyer, Frederick, Capt, 47th Regt. 

Sanford, Z. W. 

Stack, Matthew. 

Savage, John, 117th Regt. 

Seamen, James M., 146th Regt. 

Seamen, Loring D. Died in service. 

Seamen, Jerome, 1st Lieut., 146th Regt. 

Shehan, Dennis. 

Spencer, Reuben. 

Stewart, James, Col., 146th Regt. 

Seymour, Charles F., Bates' Battery. 

Skinner, Benjamin F., 57th Regt. 

Smith, Vincent. 

Smith, Thomas, Serg., 117th Regt. 

Smith, John F., 57th Regt. Killed at Gettysburg,- 

Smith, Truman, 8th N. Y. Cav. 

13 



194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF K1RKLAND. 

Stocking, S. W., 14th Regt. 

Stockbridge, Joseph, 146th Regt. 

Stockwell, L. P., Serg., 14Gth Regt. 

Strong, George W., 146th Regt. 

Strong, Charles, 115th Regt. 

Shorey, E. O., 57th Regt. 

Shorey, Henry. 

Sumner, Charles, 101st N. Y. Regt. 

Taft, Niles, 117th Regt. Killed in service. 

Trask, E., 117th Regt. 

Trask, John, 117th Regt. 

Taylor, William, 146th Regt. 

Timian, Christian, 57th Regt. 

Twitchell, E. W. 

Thomas, George, 26th Regt. 

Thorman, Hugh, 57th Regt. 

Towr, Jay H., Lieut., 16th Wise. Regt. 

Topping, William, 57th Regt. 

Thompson, Ezra. 

Thompson, Calvin. Died in Salisbury Prison. 

Turner, Webbon, 117th Regt. Died in service. 

Turner, Frederick. 

Turner, Roswell, 117th Regt. Killed. 

Utley, Mr. 

Vosburg, James. 

Vosburg, Daniel. 

Wallace, Michael, 57th Regt. Killed. 

Walker, Henry. 

Waterman, Lorenzo. 

Ward, John G. 

Warner, Edgar, 117th Regt. Died in service. 

Warner, Jonathan C, 117th Regt. Died in Salisbury 
prison. 



GENERAL REVIEW. 195 

Welch, Garrett. 
Welch, Lawrence. 
Wells, Frederick, 101st Regt. 
White, Delos M. 
Wilson, Matthew. 
Willard, Charles. 
Wicks, John W. 

AVicks, Edward B., Lieut., 101st Regt. 
Wilson, Thomas A., Capt., 146th Regt. Died in ser- 
vice. 

Whipple, John, 8th N. Y. Cav. 
Whiting, B. F., 57th Regt. 
Williams, David. 
Woolnough, Monroe, 117th Regt. 
Wholahan, Michael, 146th Regt. 
Wood, Albert H., 14th N. Y. Artillery. 
Wood, Adelbert S., 146th Regt. 
Wolfe, James B. 
Young, John B. 



In reviewing the pages of this book, I am made sen- 
sible that some things which should have appeared here 
have been left unrecorded, and that in many instances 
the spirit of the past has been imperfectly caught. The 
incidents, especially of our homespun age, the times of 
Dr. Norton and the old white meeting-house, are worthy 
of a fuller recital. But I can now, in this conclusion, 
only glance at a few of them. 

.... In those days there were no buildings on the 
north side of College Street between the Comstock house, 
now Mr. Piatt's, and the Marvin house, now Mr. Sher- 
man's ; nor on the south side between Mrs. Lucy Will- 



196 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

iaras' now Mrs. Wood's, and Captain Barnes', now Rev. 
Mr. Jerome's. The Chenango canal and the railroad 
had not then been built, and the Flats presented an un- 
broken stretch of fertile meadow, memorable in boys' eyes 
chiefly as the scene of general trainings. 

In that primitive day the household fire was made 
upon a broad hearth, under a wide-throated chimney, the 
wood of " sled length," and sometimes chiefly of logs, 
being drawn into the kitchen by a horse, and lifted by 
stout men on to the huge andirons, " ligna super foco 
large reponens." Around the walls of this room and 
overhead were hung flitches of beef and bacon for dry- 
ing, and strings of dried apples and pumpkins and pep- 
pers and bunches of sage and catnip. 

Then, too, there were husking-bees, paring-bees, quilt- 
ing-bees, bees for house-raising and house-moving. Those 
were the days of doughnuts and cider, butternuts and 
apples ; days of singing-schools for learning sacred music, 
in which " the music was not so much sacred as prepar- 
ing to be." 

In those good old times the meeting-house was warmed 
in winter by nothing save the fire of devotion, and the 
small foot-stoves allowed to some of the tender sex. 
When the air was keen one could see little columns of 
breath rising all over the church, from the lips of wor- 
shippers. The men prided themselves on their powers 
of endurance, and in the coldest weather would as soon 
have thought Dr. Norton's sermons unorthodox as too 
long. When the mercury fell very low they sometimes 
put on extra garments, and the parson preached in cloak 
and mittens. In that evil and degenerate day when 
stoves were introduced, they begat a great amount of 
headache, real and imaginary, and threatened, for a 
while, the peace and prosperity of our Zion. 



THOSE GOOD OLD TIMES. 197 

In those days the saintly Thomas Hastings was choris- 
ter of the village choir, Professor Seth Norton, Samuel 
Gridley, Silas Tyler, and Josiah Owens were the leading 
singers on the men's side, while Mrs. Austen Mygatt, 
Mrs. Anion Ives, and Miss Prudence Hart, sustained well 
the women's side. Ephraim Hart played on the bass- 
viol (still only half-regenerate), and Truman Hart dis- 
coursed upon the flute. Fondly, tearfully do the gray- 
haired sires tell us that when Thomas Hastings held the 
tuning-fork, and these singers and players did their best, 
the old arches resounded with melodies and harmonies 
not often excelled in these days of organs and other mod- 
ern improvements. It was only a few years later than 
this, that many a college student was heard to declare 
that he went to the village church of a Sunday, as much 
to hear George Bristol's tenor as to hear Dominie Nor- 
ton's discourses. In the earliest days of this church the 
psalms and hymns of Watts were used in the Sabbath 
service, but shortly afterwards D wight's book of praise 
was introduced and was continued for many years. 

In the latter part of this early period, Sam. Foot was 
the bell-ringer and church sexton. He greatly magnified 
his office. On public occasions, especially at college 
exhibitions, he was prince of all the realm ; unruly boys 
quaked in their shoes when he lifted his dreadful rod, or 
hurled against them the thunders of his awful voice. 
Mose Wright and Jed. Curtiss were the village loafers, 
and Old Kate and Peter Bush were distinguished as 
the freed slaves of Nathaniel Griffin. 

In the latter part of the same period, there lived here 
a number of persons who deserve honorable mention. 
Among them was Deacon Isaac Williams, large in 
stature, grave in aspect, " set four square to every wind 



198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF KIRKLAND. 

that blew," yet withal a very genial and kindly man ; 
and there was his neighbor, Dr. Noyes, the Professor of 
Chemistry, who rejoiced in the failure of an experiment 
almost as much as in its success, since it furnished an 
unexpected illustration of some important principle in 
science, and who originated many useful inventions which 
enriched others while they left himself poor ; and there 
was Deacon Salmon Butler, a downright Puritan in 
principle and life, always ready, like some of his descend- 
ants, to contend earnestly for the faith, but none the less 
a man highly respected and esteemed ; and Dr. Seth 
Hastings, the peacemaker and the beloved physician, 
whose beaming face and hopeful words gave potency to 
his medicines ; and Deacon Orrin Gridley, of whom I 
trust it is not mere filial partiality to record that as a man 
of business and in his relations to the church and society 
he was widely useful. Did space permit, I should like to 
speak more at length of such names as Jesse Curtiss, 
James Bronson, Samuel Hubbard, the Hart family, the 
Bristol family, the Strong family, the Stebbins family, 
the Kirkland family, of Gould Benedict, Solomon John- 
son, of Dr. Sewall Hopkins, Dr. Benjamin W. Dwight, 
Othniel Williams, and others hardly less prominent and 
useful in this society. 

At the time of which we now speak, the district school 
on the Green was an important tributary to the gram- 
mar school, as the latter was to the college. The weath- 
er-cock on the turret of the old academy, pointing inflex- 
ibly (it was rusty at the joints) towards College Hill, 
did thus but indicate its firm friendship for the institu- 
tion, and direct its students on the road to liberal learn- 
ing. 

In all families from New England the Sabbath was 



THE END. 199 

then held to begin precisely at sunset of Saturday, and to 
end at the same hour on Sunday. Both on the farm and 
in the household, there was a seasonable cleaning up and 
setting of things to rights, so that sundown might take 
no one by surprise. 

In those days, riding was done quite largely on horse- 
back, a pillion or blanket behind the ordinary saddle 
furnishing a favorite seat for women. As illustrating 
the customs of the time, let me relate that soon after the 
opening of Hamilton Oneida Academy, young Stiles 
Parmele, then living on the farm now owned by his 
son, was wont to ride to this school on horseback. Quite 
often in stormy weather, he stopped of a morning at the 
house of Amos Kellogg, when a blooming young girl 
would run out from her father's door, and, throwing a 
shawl over the haunches of the horse, jump on and ride 
behind her gallant to school. I may reasonably feel an 
interest in that little girl, for she afterwards became my 
mother. With the writing of whose beloved name, let 
me close this book. 



APPENDIX. 



A. 



Catalogue of Trees and Plants found in the Town of 
Kirkland, iV. Y. 



PHyENOGAMIA. 

I. DICOTYLEDONS. 

1. ANGIOSPERM^. 

A. POLYPETALOUS 
RANUNCULACE^]. 

Clematis, L. 

Viryiniana, L. 
Hepatica, Dillenius. 

Triloba, 
Thalictrum, Tournefort. 

Dioicum, L. 

Cornuti, L. 
Ranunculus, L. 

Pennsylvanicus, L. 

Acris, L. 
Caltha, L. 

Palustris, L. 
Trollius, L. 

Laxus, Salisbury. 
Coptis, Sails. 

Trifolia, Salis. 
quilegia, Tournefort. 

Canadensis, L. 



Floivering Plants. 

Dicotyledons. 

Angiosperms. 

EXOGBNS. 

Crowfoots. 

Virgin's Bower. 

Virginian Clematis. 

Hepatica, Liver-leaf. 

Three-lobe-leaved Hepatica. 

Rue. 

Early Rue. 

Meadow Rue. 

Buttercup. 

Bristly Buttercup. 

Yellow-weed. 

Spring Cowslip. 

Marsh Marigold. 

American Globe-flower. 

Spreading Trollius. 

Goldthread. 

Three-leaved Coptis. 

Columbine. 

American Columbine. 



202 



APPENDIX. 



Hydrastis, L. 

Canadensis, L. 
Act/ea. L. 

Spicata, L. 
Cimicifuga, L. 

Eacemosa, Elliott. 

MAGXOL1ACE.E. 

LlRIODEXDROX, L. 

Tulipifera, L. 

MENISPERMACEiE. 
Mexispermum, L. 
Canadense, L. 

BERBERIDACE.E. 
Caulophyllum, Michaux. 

Thalictroides, Michaux. 
Podophyllum, L. 

Peltatum, L. 

SARRACENIACEJE. 

Sarracexia, Tournefort. 
Purpurea, L. 

PAPAVERACE^S. 

ClIELIDOXIUM, L. 

Saxguixaria, Dillenius. 
Canadensis, L. 

FUMARIACE^E. 
Dicextra, Borkhausen. 
Cucullaria, DC. 
Canadensis, DC. 

FUMARIA, L. 

Officinalis, L. 

CRUCIFER^. 
Nasturtium, R. Brown. 

Armoracia, Fries. 
Dextaria, L. 

Diphylla, L. 
Arabis, L. 

Dentata, Torr. Sr Gray. 



Herb Yellow-root. 

Orange-root. 

Baneberry. 

Spicate Aetata. 

Snakeroot. 

Black-rooted, Racemed Cimicifuga. 

Magnolias. 

Tulip-tree. 

Tulip-bearing Liriodendron. 

Moonseeds. 

Moonseed. 

Canadian Menispermum. 

Berberids. 

Blue Cohosh. 

Rue-like Caulophyllum. 

Mandrake- 
Peltate Podophyllum . 

Water-pitchers. 

Pitcher-plant. 

Purple- flowered Sarracenia. 

Poppies. 

Celandine. 

Bloodroot. 

Canadian Sanguinaria. 

Fumitories. 

Dicentra. 

Dutchman's Breeches. 

Squirrel-corn. 

Garden Fumitory. 

Officinal Fumaria. 

Crucifers. 

Cress. 

Horseradish . 

Toothwort. 

Two-leaved Dentaria. 

Wall-cress. 

Dentate-leaved Rock-cress. 



APPENDIX. 



203 



Erysimum, L. 

Cheiranthoides, L. 

Sihapis, Town. 

Arvensis, L. 
Capsella, Vent. 
Bursa-Pastoris. 

VIOLACE2E. 

Viola, L. 

Lanceolata, L. 
Striata, Alton. 
Pubescens, Alton. 

DROSERACE.E. 
Drosera, L. 

Rotundifolia, L. 

HYPERICACE^E. 
Hypericum, L. 
Perforatum, L. 

CARYOPHYLLACE^. 

Agrostemma, L. 

Githago, L. 
Stellaria, L. 

Media, Smith. 
Cerastidm, L. 

Vulgatum, L. 

PORTULACACE.E. 

Clattonia. 

Caroliniana, Michaux. 

MALVACEAE. 

Malva, L. 

Rotundifolia, L. 
Moschata, L. 

TILIACE^. 

TlLIA, L. 

Americana, L. 

OXAL1DACE.E. 
Oxalis, L. 

Acetosella, L. 



Treacle Mustard. 

Wallflower -like Mustard. 

True Mustard. 

Charlock. 

Shepherd' s-purse . 
Violets. 

Lance-leaved Violet. 

Veined-flowered Violet. 

Downy Yellow Violet. 

Sundew. 

Sundew. 

Round-leaved Sundew. 

St.John's-worts. 

Hyperica. 

Perforated Hypericum. 

Pinks. 

Cockle. 

Black-seeded Agrostemma. 

Starwort. 

Intermediate Stellaria. 

Mouse-ear Chickweed. 

Common Chickweed. 

Purslanes. 

Spring-beauty. 

Broad-leaved Claytonia. 

Mallows. 

True Mallow. 

Round-leaved Mallow. 

Musk-scented Mallow. 

Linden. 

Linden. 

Basswood. 

Sorrels. 

Wood-sorrel. 

American Wood-sorrel. 



204 



APPENDIX. 



GERANIACE^E. 
Geranium, L. 
Maculatum, L. 
Carolinianum, L. 
Pusillum, L. 
Robertianum, L. 

BALSAMINACE.E 
Impatiens, L. 

Pallida, Nuttall. 
Fulva, Nuttall. 

RUTACE^. 

Zanthoxylum, Golden. 
Araericanum, Miller. 

ANACARDIACE^E. 
Rhus, L. 

Typhina, L. 
Radicans, L. 

vitace^:. 

Vitis, L. 

Labrusca, L. 

CELASTRACE.E. 

Celastrus, L. 
Scandens, L. 

SAPINDACEvE. 
Staph y lea, L. 

Tiifolia, L. 
Acer, Tourn. 

Pennsylvanicum, L. 

Spicatum, Lamarck. 

Saccharinum, L. 

Var. Nigrum, Gray. 

Dasycarpum, Ehrhart. 

Rubrum, L. 

LEGUMINOS^. 
Trifolium, L. 

Repens, L. 
Meli lotus, Tournefort. 

Officinalis, Willd. 



Gerania. 

Wild Geranium. 

Crane's-bill. 

Field Geranium. 

Small-Jlowered Geranium. 

Herb Robert. 

Balsams. 

Touch-me-not. 

Pale-fiowaed Impatiens. 

Fulvous-flowered Impatiens. 

Rues. 

Prickly Ask. 
Toothache- Tree. 

Cashews. 

Sumach. 

Staghorn, Fever Sumach. 

Climbing Poison Ivy. 

Vines. 

Grapevine. 

Wild Grape. 

Staff- trees. 

Bittersweet. 

Climbing Celastrus. 

Soapberries. 

Bladder-pod. 

Three-leaved Stajihylea. 

Maple. 

Striped Maple. 

Spiked '-flowered Maple. 

Hard, Sugar Maple. 

Black Maple. 

Silver Maple. 

Red Maple. 

Legumes. 

Clover. 

White Clover. 

Sweet Clover. 

Yellow Melilot. 



APPENDIX. 



205 



Medicago, L. 

Lupulina, L. 
Vicia, Tourn. 

Sativa, L. 

Cracca, L. 
Amphicarp^ea, Elliott. 

Monoica, Nuitall. 
ROSACEA. 

Prdnus, L. 

Americana, Marshall. 

Virginiana, L. 

Serotina, Ehrhart. 

Vulgaris, Miller. 
Spirjea, L. 

Salicifolia, L. 
Geum, L. 

Album, Gmelin. 

Strictum, Alton. 

POTENTILLA, L. 

Norvegica, L. 
Fragaria, Tournefort. 

Virginiana, Ehrhart. 

Vesca, L. 
Rubus, L. 

Strigosus, Michaux. 

Canadensis, L. 

Hispidus, L. 
Rosa, Tourn. 

Rubiginosa, L. 
Pyrus, L. 

Malus, L. 
Amelanchier, Medik. 

Canadensis, Torr. Sr Gray. 

onagrace^:. 

Epilobium, L. 

Angustifolium, L 

Palustre, L. 

Molle, L. 
CEnothera, L. 

Biennis, L. 



Nonesuch. 

' Hop-like Medicago. 

Tare. Vetch. 

Cultivated Vetch. 

Cracca Vetch. 

Ground Peanut. 

Monacious Amphicarpoza. 

Roses. 

Plum. Cherry. 

Wild Plum. 

Choke Cherry. 

Black Cherry. 

Sour Cherry. 

Meadowsweet. 

Willow-leaved Spirwa. 

Avens. 

White-flowered Avens. 

Yellow, Upright Avens. 

. Cinque/oil. 

Norwegian Potentitla. 

Strawberry. 

Wild Strawberry. 

Alpine Strawberry. 

Raspberry. 

Red Raspberry. 

Dewberry. 

Hispid Blackberry. 

Wild Rose. 

Sweetbrier. 

Apple. Pear. 

Common Apple. 

Juneberry. 

Shadbush. 

Evening Primroses. 

Willow-herb. 

Narrow-leaved Epilobium. 

Linear-leaved Epilobium. 

Downy Epilobium. 

Evening Primrose. 

Biennial Evening Primrose. 



206 



APPENDIX. 



Ciroea, Tournefort. 

Lutetiana, L. 
Proserpinaca, L. 

Palastris, L. 
Hippdris, L. 

Vulgaris, L. 

GROSSULACEiE. 

RlBES, L. 

Cynosbati, L 

CRASSULACEiE. 
Sedum, L. 

Telephium, L. 

SAXIFRAGACE^E. 

Mitella, Tournefort. 
Diphylla, L. 

TlARELLA, L. 

Cordifolia, L. 

HAMAMELACE^E. 
Hamamelis, L. 
Virginica, L. 

UMBELLIFER^. 

ClCUTA, L. 

Maculata, L. 
Osmorrhiza, Rafinesque. 
Longistylis, DC. 

ARALIACE.E. 

Aralia, Town. 
Racemosa, L. 
Nudicaulisj L. 

Quinquefolia, Gray. 
Trifolia, Gray. 

CORNACEiE. 

Cornus, Tournefort. 

Stolonifera, Mickaux 

Alternifolia, L. 
Ntssa, L. 

Multiflora, Wangenheim. 



Enchanter's Nightshade. 

Mignonmtte-like Circoza. 

Mermaid-weeds. 

Marsh Mermaid-weeds. 

Mare's-tail. 

Common Hippuris. 

Currant. 
Prickly Gooseberry. 

Orpines. 

Orpine. 

Saxifrages. 

Fringe-cup. 

Two-leaved Mitella. 

Bidiop's-cap. 

Cordate-leaved Tiarella. 

Witch-hazels. 

Virginian Witch-hazel. 

Umbellifers. 

Water Hemlock. 

Spotted Cicuta. 

Sweet Cicely. 

Long-styled Osmorrhiza. 

A ralias. 

Sarsaparilla. 

Spikenard. 

Leafless-stemmed Aralia. 

Ginseng. 

Groundnut. 

Cornels. 

Dogwood. 

Stolon-bearing Cornus. 

Alternate-leaved Cornus. 

Tupelo. Pepperidge. 

Many-flowered Nyssa. 



APPENDIX. 



207 



B. MONOPETALOUS 
CAPRIFOLIACE^E. 

Lintoca, Gronovius. 

Borealis, Gronov. 
Lonicera, L. 

Cserulea, L. 
Sambucus, Tournefort. 

Canadensis, L. 

Pubens, Michaux. 
Viburnum, L. 

Acerifolium, L. 

Lantanoides, Michaux. 

RUBIACEiE. 
Galium, L. 
Aparine, L. 

MlTCHELLA, L. 

Repens, L. 

DIPSACE^. 
Dipsacus, Tournefort. 
Sylvestris, Miller. 

COMPOSITE. 

Eupatorium, Tournefort. 

Purpureum, L. 

Perfoliatum, L. 

Ageratoides, L. 

Tussilago, Tournefort. 
Farfara, L. 

Solidago, L. 

Stricta, Alton. 

Canadensis, L. 
Inula, L. 

Helenium, L. 
Ambrosia, Tournefort. 

Artemisiajfolia, L. 
Rudbeckia, L. 

Hirta, L. 
Bidens, L. 

Frondosa, L. 



EXOGENS. 

Honeysuckles. 

Twin-flower. 

Northern Linncea. 

Honeysuckle. 

Mountain-honeysuckle. 

Elder. 

Canadian Sambucus. 

Downy Sambucus. 

Arrow-wood. 

Maple-leaved Virburnum. 

Hobblebush. 

Madders. 

Cleaver. 

The Ancient Aparine. 

Partridge-berry . 
Creeping Mitchella. 

Teasels. 

Fuller's Thistle. 

Wild Teasel. 

Composites. 

Boneset. 

Purple Eupatorium. 

Common Boneset. 

Ageratum-like Eupatorium. 

Common Coltsfoot. 
River-side Tussilago. 

Goldenrod. 

Willow-leaved Solidago. 

Canadian Solidago. 

Elecampane. 

The Ancient Helenion. 

Wormwood. 

Artemisia-leaved Ambrosia. 

Cornflower. 

Rough Rudbeckia 

Bur-marigold. 

Leafy Bidens*. 



208 



APPENDIX. 



Maruta, Cassini. 

Cotula, DC. 
Achillea, L. 

Millefolium, L. 
Leucanthemum, Tournefort. 

Vulgare, Lamarck. 
Tanacetum, L. 

Vulgare, L. 
Qnaphalium, L. 

Polycephalum, Michaux. 

Uliginosum, L. 
Erechthites, Rafinesque. 

Hieracifolia, Raf. 
Senecio, L. 

Vulgaris, L. 
Cirsium, Tournefort. 

Lanceolatum, Scopoli. 

Pumilum, Sprengel. 

Arvense, Scopoli. 
Lappa, Tournefort. 

Major, Gartner. 
Taraxacum, Haller. 

Dens-leonis, Desfontaines. 
Lactuca, Tournefort. 
Elongata, Muhl. 

Sonchus, L. 

Oleraceus, L. 
Asper, Villars. 

LOBELIACEvE. 
Lobelia, L. 

Cardinalis, L. 
Syphilitica, L. 
Inrlata, L. 
Spicata, Lamarck. 

CAMPANULACE^l. 

Gaultheria, Kalm. 
Procumbens, L. 

Cassandra, Don. 
Calyculata, Don. 



Mayweed. 

' Cup-involucred Maruta. 

Yarrow. 

Milfoil Achillea. 

Oxei/e Daisy. 

Common Whiteweed. 

Tansy. 

Common Tanacetum. 

Everlasting . 

Many -headed Gnaphalium. 

Bog Gnaphalium. 

Fireweed. 

Hieracium-leaved Erechthites. 

Groundsel. 

Common Senecio. 

Common Thistle. 

Lanceolate-leaved Cirsium. 

Dwarf Cirsium. 

Canada Thistle. 

Burdock. 

Larger Lappa. 

Dandelion. 

Lion-tooth-leaved Taraxacum. 

Wild Lettuce. 

Long-panicled Lactuca. 

Garden Sonchus. 
Spiny-leaved Sonchus. 

Lobelia. 

Red, Cardinal-flowered Lobelia. 

Blue, large Lobelia. 

Indian Tobacco. 

Spike-racemed Lobelia. 

Winter green. 
Creeping Gaultheria. 

Leatherleaf. 
Bracted-calyxed Cassandra . 



APPENDIX. 



209 



Andromeda, L. 
Polifolia, L. 

Kalmia, L. 

Angus tifolia, L. 
Azalea, L. 

Nudiflora, L. 
Ehododendron, L. 

Maximum, L. 

Ledum, L. 

Latifolium, Aiton. 

Ptrola, L. 

Rotundifolia, L. 

Chimaphila, Pursh. 
Umbellata, Nuttall. 
Macu'ata, Pursh. 

MONOTROPA, L. 

Uniflora, L. 

AQUIFOLACE^E. 

Ilex, L. 

Verticillata, Gray. 

PLANTAGLNACEJE. 

Plantago, L. 
Major, L. 

PRIMULACEtE. 

Trientalis, L. 

Americana, Pursh. 

SCROPHULARI ACEyE. 

Verbascdm, L. 

Thapsus, L. 
Chelone, Tournefort. 

Glabra, L. 
Veronica, L. 

Virginica, L. 

verbenace^:. 

Verbena, L. 
Hastata, L. 

14 



Andromeda. 
Polium-leaved Andromeda. 

American Laurel. 

Narrow-leaved Kalmia. 

Wild Azalea. 

Leafless-flowered Azalea. 

Mountain Laurel. 

Greatest Rhododendron. 

Ljabrador Tea. 

Broad-leaved Ledum. 

Pyrola. 
Round-leaved Pyrola. 

Prince' s-pine. 

Umbellate Chimaphila. 

Spotted-leaved Chimaphila. 

Indian Pipe. 

One-flowered Monotropa. 

Hollies. 

Winterberry. 
Verticillate-flowered Ilex. 

Plantains. 



Common Plantain. 
Primroses. 

May-star. 
American Trientalis. 

Figworts. 

Mullein. 

Common Mullein. 

Snakehead. 

Smooth Chelone. 

Speedwell. 

Culver' s-root. 

Verbenas. 

Verbena. 

Hastate-leaved Verbena . 



210 



APPENDIX. 



LABIATJE. 

Mentha, L. 

Viridis, L. 

Piperita, £>. 
Melissa, L. 

Officinalis, L. 
Hedeoma, Persoon. 

Pulegioides, Pers. 

MONARDA, L. 

Didyma, L. 

Nepeta, L. 

Cataria, L. 

Glechoma, Benth. 
Brunella, Tournefort. 

Vulgaris, L. 
Leonurcs, L. 

Cardiaca, L. 
Cynoglossum, Tournefort. 

Officinale, L. 

Virginicum, L. 

POLEMONIACE^. 
Phlox, L. 

Divaricata, L. 

CONVOLVULACEiE. 

CuSCUTA, Tournefort. 
Gronovii, Willd. 

SOLANACE^E. 

SOLANUM, L. 

Dulcamara, L. 
Nigrum, L. 
Htosctamus, Tournefort. 
Niger, L. 

GENTIANACEiE. 

Mentanthes, Tournefort. 
Trifoliata, L. 

ASCLEPIADIOaE. 

Asclepias, L. 

Cornuti, Decaisne. 



Mints. 

Spearmint. 
Peppermint. 

Balm. 

Officinal Melissa. 

Pennyroyal. 

Pennyroyal -I ike Hedeoma. 

Oswego Tea. 

Two-whorled Monarda. 

Nepeta. 

Cat-mint. 

From the Ancient Glechon. 

Self-heal. 

Common Brunella. 

Motherwort. 

Cardiacal Leonurus. 

Hound' s-tongue. 

Officinal Cynoglossum. 

Virgin ia n Cy n oglossu m . 

Polemonia. 

Phlox. 

Divaricate-flowering Phlox. 

Bindweeds. 
Dodder. 

Nightshades. 

Bitter-sweet Solarium. 

Black-fruited Solanum. 

Henbane. 

Black Hyoscyamus. 

Gentians. 

Buckbran. 

Trifoliate Menyanthes. 

Milkweeds. 
Dedicated to Cornuti. 



APPENDIX. 



211 



OLEACEiE. 

Fraxinus, Tournefort. 
Amei icana, L. 
Sambucifolia, Lamarck. 



Olives. 

Ash-tree. 

American White Ash. 

Black Elder-leaved Ash. 



C. APETALOUS EXOGBNS. 



ARISTOLOCHIACE^. 

Asartjm, Tournefort. 
Canadense, L. 

PHYTOLACCACE^. 

Phytolacca, Tournefort. 
Decandra, L. 

CHENOPODIACE^E. 
Chenopodium, L. 

Hybridum, L. 

Album, L . 
Blitum, Tournefort. 

Bonus-Henricus, Reichenbach. 

POLYGONACE^. 

POLTGONUM, L. 

Orientale, L. 
Persicaria, L. 
Acre, H. B. K. 
Crispus, L. 
Acetosa, L. 
Acetosella, L. 

LAURACE^. 

Benzoin. 

Odoriferum, Nees. 

THYMELEACE^. 

DlRCA, L. 

Palustris, L. 

URTICACE^. 

TJlmus, L. 

Fulva, Michx. 
Americana, L. 
Racemosa, Thomas. 



Birth worts. 

Wild Ginger. 

Canadian Asarum. 

Pokeweeds. 

Pokeweed. 

Ten-stamened Phytolacca. 

Chenopods. 

Goose-foot. 

Hybrid Chenopodium. 

White Chenopodium. 

Blite. 

Good-King-Henry Blite. 

Buckwheats. 

Oriental Polygonum. 
Peach-leaved Polygonum. 

Pungent Polygonum. 
Curled-leaved Rumex. 
Garden-sorrel Rumex. 

Sheep-soirel Rumex. 

Laurels. 

Spicebiish. 

Fragrant Benzoin. 

Daphnads. 

Leatherwood. 

Marsh Dirca. 

Nettles. 

Elm. 

Red Slippery Elm. 

White Elm. 

Corky Elm. 



212 



APPENDIX. 



Celtis, Tournefort. 
Urtica, Tournefort. 
Gracilis, Aiton. 

PLATANACE^. 
Platanus, L. 

Occidentals, L. 

JUGLANDACE^. 

JUGLANS, L. 

Cinerea, L. 
Carta, Nuttall. . 

Alba, Nutt. 
Amara, Nutt. 

CUPULIFERE. 
Quercus, L. 

Alba, L. 
Castaxea, Tournefort. 

Vesca, L. 
Fagc8, Tournefort. 

Ferruginea, Aiton. 
Corylus, Tournefort. 

Americana, Walter. 
Carpinus, L. 

Americana, Michx. 
Ostrya, Micheli. 

Virgin ica, Willd. 

BETULACE^. 

Betula, Tournefort. 

Alba, Spach. 

Nigra, L. 
Alnus, Tournefort. 

Incana, Willd. * 

SALIACE.^. 

Salix, Tournefort. 

Humilis, Marshall. 

Pedicellaris, Pursh. 
Populus, Tournefort. 

Tremuloides, Mich. 



Nettle-tree. 

Nettles. 
Slender Nettle. 

Sycamores. 

Plane-tree. Button Ball. 
Western Plane-tree. 

Walnuts. 

Butternut. 

Hickories. 

Shag-bark. White Hickory. 

Bitter Hickory. 

Oaks. 

White Oak. 

Chestnut. 

Edible Chestnut. 

Beech. 

Rusty-leaved Fayus. 

Hazelnut. 

American Corylus. 

Water Beech. 

American Carpinus. 

Iron-wood. 

Virginian Ostrya. 

Birches. 

White Birch. 

Black Birch. 

Alder. 

Hoary Alder. 

Willows. 

Sal ices. 

Low Willow. 

Pedicel-fruited Willow. 

Poplar. 

Aspen-leaved Poplar. 



APPENDIX. 



213 



2. GYMNOSPERMiE. 
CONIFERS. 

Pinus, Town. 

Strobus, L. 
Abies, Tourn. 

Balsamea, Marshall. 

Canadensis, Mich. 

Nigra, Poiret. 

Alba, Mich. 
Larix, Tourn. 

Americana, Mich. 
Thuja, Tourn. 

Occidentals, L. 
Juniperus, L. 

Communis, L. 
Taxus, Tourn. 

Baccata, var. Canadensis, Gray. 

II. MONOCOTYLEDONS. 

ARACE^. 

Aris^ma, Martius. 

Tripbyllum, Torrey. 
Calla, L. 

Palustris, L. 
Symplocarpus, Salisbury. 

Pcetidus, Salisb. 
Acorus, L. 

Calamus, L. 

TYPHACEiE. 

Typha, Tourn. 
Latifolia, L. 

ALISMACE^. 
Sagittaria, L. 

Variabilis, Engelmann. 

ORCHIDACE^. 
Orchis, L. 

Spectabilis, L. 



Gymnosperms. 
Conifers. 

Pine. 

White Pine. 

Spruce. 

Balsam-Fir. 

Hemlock. 

Black Spruce. 

White Spruce. 

Larch. 

American Larix. 

Arbor-vitai. 

American or Western Arbor-vitai. 

Juniper. 

Common Juniper. 

Yew. 

American Taxus. 

Monocotyledons. 

Arums. 

Indian Turnip. 

Three-leaved Ariscema. 

Wild Calla. 

Marsh Calla. 

Skunk Cabbage. 

Fetid Symplocarpus. 

Sweet-flay. 

Reed Calamus. 

Typhads. 

Cat-tails. 

Wide-leaved Typha. 

Water-plantains. 

Arrow-head. 

, Variable Sagittaria. 

Orchids. 
Showy Orchis. 



214 



APPENDIX. 



Platanthera, Richard. 

Obtusata, Lindl. 

Orbiculata, Lindl. 
Aeethusa, Gronovius. 

Bulbosa, L. 
Pogonia, Jussieu. 

Ophioglossoides, Nuttall. 
Aplectrum, Nuttall. 

Hyemale, Nutt. 
Cyfripedium, L. 

Pubescens, Willd.' 

Candiclnm, Muld. 

Spec labile, Swartz. 

Acaule, Aiton. 

IRIDACE^. 

Iris, L. 

Versicolor, L. 

SMILACE^]. 

Smilax, Tourn. 

Hispida, Muhlen. 
Trillium, L. 

Erectum, L. 

Grandiflorum, Solid). 

Ery throcarpum, Mich . 
Medeola, Gronovius. 

Virginica, L. 

LILIACE^E. 

POLYGONATUM, Tourn. 

Bi-florum, Elliott. 

Giganteum, Dietrich. 
Smilacina, Desfontaines. 

Racemosa, Desf. 
Clintonia, Rafinesque. 

Borealis, Raf. 
Lilium, L. • 

Canadense, L. 
Erythronium, L. 

Amcricanum, Smith. 



Obtuse-lean d Platanthera. 
Orbicular-!' an d Platani 

An thusa. 

Bulbous Arethusa. 

Pogonia. 

Adam-and-Eve. 

1 1 r inter-lasting Aph ctrum. 

Lady's-slippt r . 

Downy Cypripi ilium. 

White ( ypript dium. 

Showy ( 'ypripi ilium . 

Stemless Cypripedium. 

Irids. 

Color-varying Iris. 
Si nil aces. 

Greenbrier. 

Prickly Smilax. 

Trill ia. 

Purple, Erect 7 

Greal-flovoert I Trillium. 

/,'. d-fruited Trillium. 

Cucumber -root. 

T Irgin ia n Me deola. 

Lilies. 

Solomon' s-seal. 

Tvoin-flowered Polygonatum ■ 

Giant Polygonatum. 

Smilacina. 

Racemed Smilacina. 

Wild Lily of the Valley. 

Northern Clintonia. 

Lily. 

Yellow Lily. 

Adder's-toi 

Yellow Erythroninm. 



APPENDIX. 



MELANTHACEiE. 

UVULARIA, L. 

Grandiflora, Smith. 

Perforata, L. 
Streptopus, Mich. 

Aroplexifolius, DC 
Veratrum, Tourn. 

Viride, ,Aiton. 

JUNCACE^. 

Lxjzuea, DC. 

Pilosa, Willd. 
Juncus, L. 
Effusus, L. 

PONTEDERIACEiE. 

Pontederia, L. 
Cordata, L. 

CYPERACEiE. 

Eriophorcm, L. 
Virginicum, L. 

GRAMIN^B. 

Phleum, L. 

Pratense, L. 

Triticum, L. 

Vulgare, Villars. 
Repens, L. 

CRYPTOGAMIA. 

III. ACROGENS. 

EQUISETACE^. 

Eqcisetum, L. 
Arvense, L. 
Hyemale, L. 
Scirpoides, Mich. 

FILTCES. 

POLYPODIUM, L. 

Vulgare, L. 
Hexagonopterum, Mich. 



215 

Melanthia. 

Bellivort. 

Large-flowered Uvularia. 

Small-flowered Uvularia. 

Slem-clasping Streptopus. 

American Hellebore. 

Green-Jlowering Veralrum. 

Rashes. 

Wood-rush. 

Hairy Luzula. 

Rush. 

Effuse Juncus. 

Pickerel-weeds. 

Cordate Pontederia. 

Sedges. 

Cotton-grass. 

Virginian Eriophorum. 

Grasses. 

Timothy. Herd' s-gr ass. 

Meadow Phleum. 

Wheat-grass. 

Common Wheat. 

Creeping Triticum. 

Flowerless Plants. 
Top-growers. 

Horsetail. 

Equiseta. 

Field Equisetum. 

Winter-lasting Equisetum. 

Seir pus-like Equisetum. 

Ferns. 

Poli/pod. 

Common Pohjpodium. 

Six-angled-winged Polypodium. 



216 APPENDIX. 

Adiantum, L. Maidenhair. 

LYCOPODIACE^E. Club-mosses. 

Lycopodium, L. Lycopodium. 

Dendroideum, Mick. Tree-like Lycopodium. 

Complanatum, L. Flattened-fronded Lycopodium. 



B. 

The Hon. Anson S. Miller, of Rockford, 111., and a 
native of Oneida Comity, has recently published an his- 
torical paper, the following extract from which touches 
upon a portion of our local history : — 

Fort Stanwix, conspicuous in the wars which agitated our 
country in the last century, stood on the west hank of the 
Mohawk River, the present site of the city of Rome, New 
York. This strong fortress, commanding the narrow portage 
between the eastern and western waters, was, in early times, 
the most important military position between the Atlantic sea- 
board and Canada and the Lakes, — the pass being an impor- 
tant link in the chain of army travel and transportation. Gen- 
eral Stanwix, a British officer, built the fort at a cost of three 
hundred thousand dollars, in 1758, while the war was raging 
between the British and French for dominion in America. 
Through the French War and the Revolutionary struggle, and 
in the frontier settlement of that famed locality, Fort Stanwix 
was the centre for Indian councils and treaties, and other 
public transactions, both of war and peace, — the seat of sieges, 
sorties, and battles 

Among other great councils held at Fort Stanwix, was that 
in the autumn of 1768, convened by Major-general Sir Wru. 
Johnson, British superintendent of Indian affairs in America, 
under orders of his government, at which the colonies of New 
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and others, were 



APPENDIX. 217 

represented, and an important treaty established with the Six 
Natjons, the Delawares, Shawnees, and other Indians. Again, 
after the close of the Revolutionary War, in the autumn of 
1784, the United States commissioners, Wolcott, Butler, and 
Lee, met the Iroquois confederacy in council at the fort, and 
the Six Nations in that treaty, after certain reservations, 
relinquished, among other claims, theirs to lands northwest 
of the Ohio and in western New York. General Lafayette 
attended this council, and was highly interested in the eloquent 
speeches of Cornplanter (Gyantwaia) for the treaty, and that 
of Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha) against it. 

After the completion of this treaty, the assemblages of the 
Indians at the fort were for the purpose of receiving the annual 
payments for their lands from the State officers. Upon the 
occurrence of the final payment to the Indians, by Governor 
George Clinton, at the fort, in the early part of the last decade 
of Seventeen Hundred, and after the business was all closed 
up satisfactorily, and the whole concourse of whites and 
Indians had been richly feasted by the Governor, from his 
stores brought for the purpose, the proceedings were con- 
cluded by a foot-race of the Iroquois, in which each of the 
" Six Nations " were represented. A description of this race 
given by the pioneer settlers of that region who witnessed it, 
has not, to the knowledge of the writer, appeared in print. 
All of the tribes but the Oneidas retired to select their run- 
ners, each tribe for itself, and soon returned, presenting five 
athletic young men, whose physical development and sym- 
metry would have delighted a sculptor. According to Indian 
etiquette, and out of respect to their brethren from abroad, the 
Oneidas, the home tribe, waited for the others, and selected 
their runner last. Powlis, the war chief, had been one of the 
fleetest runners in the confederacy, and he had a number of 
stalwart sons present, — grand representatives of his lofty 
stature and agile movements. Outsiders supposed that one 
of these would be chosen to sustain the high rank of the 
Oneidas. But the tribe passed by these and others of the 



218 APPENDIX. 

like, and with great unanimity selected a slender boy of fifteen 
years — a mere stripling, the youngest son of Powlis, — his 
parents' darling, with his mother's form and wiry make-up. 
Soon known, the choice of one so young, and short, and slim, 
to run a long race against the best, and taken, too, from a tribe 
abounding in powerful braves, astonished the strangers, and 
provoked an irrepressible laugh among the Indians, which in 
a moment was checked by them as discourteous to their 
brethren. Little Paul, as the whites called the boy, was 
known to be the pet of the tribe, and this, with all but the 
Oneidas, accounted for the selection. They were sure of 
better reasons, and assuming an expressionless look, observed 
the wonder and heard the laughter of the others with imper- 
turbable gravity. Preparations were made promptly for the 
race. Governor Clinton wrapped Si'oO in coin in a piece of 
buckskin and hung it on the flag-staff at the starting-point, a 
little below the fort, on the bank of the Mohawk. A similar 
flag was set at the western terminus of the racecourse, over 
a mile distant, near the point where now stands the United 
States arsenal. The course was smooth and open, rising 
gently from east to west. The runners were to turn the 
western bound, and run to the place of starting. The course 
was staked in quarters, and a horseman provided to accompany 
the competitors. As the course was straight there was no 
contention about the inside track. The runners wore mocca- 
sins to protect their feet, and stripped for the struggle to bare 
decency. They stood together in the order of their adjoining 
territories, — the Mohawk and Oneida side by side ; and what 
a contrast ! The boy's head scarcely reached the shoulder of 
the majestic Mohawk, — a splendid specimen of his tribe. 
Each bore a badge of distinction on his head. Little Paul 
wore a feather, a single white plume,- stuck in his shining 
locks, which were glossy and black as the wing of a raven. 
All being ready, they start at the tap of the drum, and on 
they rush, Indians and horseman, rapidly for so long a race. 
Every eye is fixed on the competitors for the prize. All is 



APPENDIX. 219 

still, and not a word escapes the spectators. The Mohawk leads, 
and the Oneida boy brings up the rear. Evidently the latter 
is taking an easy course, and holding his best efforts in re- 
serve. He passes over the ground as light and lithe as a fox, 
and quite swiftly too ; but the others are running at the top 
of their speed, and the boy is so far behind that some of the 
Indians from abroad, the spectators, break out into a laugh, 
and check it again. The Oneidas see and hear all, but give 
no expression except in sly side-glances at each other, saying 
as plain as words, " Let them laugh who win. Little Paul 
against the field ! He will show all on his return that he is 
our best choice. No fears for him, he will fly over the last 
of the course." But the runners are approaching the further 
goal, and will soon turn it for the home stretch, and then for 
the trial of endurance ! The horseman has galloped his steed 
nearly all the way to keep near the racers, who are running 
very near even, although the Mohawk is still ahead, and the 
Oneida boy some little behind. They turn the goal almost in 
a body, and now begins the fiercest struggle on their home 
run. Little Paul draws gently on his reserved force, and 
before returning to the first quarter stake he passes all but 
the Mohawk. The sympathy of the spectators is with the 
little Oneida. They involuntarily cheer him, but he hears it 
not. He presses on side by side with the Mohawk, — his 
strongest and now only competitor, who struggles as for life, 
but in vain. The boy passes him before he can reach the 
half-way stake, and his whoop of triumph, shrill as the yell 
of a panther, is heard by the spectators at the home goal, and 
echoed back with a will. With his five competitors the 
struggle is over, but the boy has just begun to bound and fly. 
His ambition urges him beyond and above ordinary victory, 
he must distance all competition, and he flies as on the wings 
of the wind. All the spectators exhibit intense excitement, 
and shout and cheer, and as the victor nears the goal the 
Indians of the competing tribes rush forward, with the utmost 
enthusiasm, to meet the boy and bear him home over the 



220 'APPENDIX. 

last twenty rods of the course. Never was a prize more 
handsomely won, nor with higher praise and admiration, even 
from the vanquished themselves. Greater assemblages, yea 
clouds of witnesses, encompassed the Olympic and other 
competing games of ancient times, and the victors were 
crowned amid ceremonies more august ; but none of all these 
were more fortunate than the young Oneida in the hearty and 
unanimous greetings and rejoicings over his triumph. Gov- 
ernor Clinton presented the prize, and congratulated the 
youth and his tribe in eloquent words. That youth, Paul 
Powlis, Jr., succeeded his father as chief. 

This last great meeting of the Iroquois, at the renowned 
fortress, was attended by the pioneer settlers on that Indian 
frontier, — many of them afterward distinguished public men 
in the history of New York. The Governor was accompanied 
by his nephew, De Witt Clinton ; afterward one of the most 
eminent statesmen of any age, then a young man who acted 
as his uncle's private secretary ; also by the illustrious Baron 
Steuben, whose town subsequently embraced within its limits 
the settlement at Fort Stanwix. General William Floyd, the 
first signer of the Declaration of Independence in the New 
York delegation, also accompanied Governor Clinton on the 
occasion of this payment of the Six Nations, — whose great 
chieftains rejoiced to meet the noble Governor Clinton, who 
had been continued at the head of State affairs from the 
breaking out of the Revolution. Among the chieftains most 
celebrated was Skenandoa, the venerable sachem of the 
Oneidas, a friend of Washington, a wise counselor, and 
one of nature's noblemen, who died in 1816, at the age of one 
hundred and ten years. Other chiefs of the Six Nations were 
present on the memorable occasion. All are now one, the 
white and the red men ; their fame and Fort Stanwix, and 
the Iroquois Confederacy, have been consigned to imperishable 
history, and they have no earthly existence elsewhere. 



APPENDIX. 221 

C. 

Dedication of the Kirkland Monument. 

A Monument having recently been erected in the Cemetery 
of Hamilton College, to the memory of the Rev. Samuel 
Kirkland, it was thought expedient to celebrate its comple- 
tion by appropriate public ceremonies: The time chosen for 
this purpose was the afternoon of Wednesday, the 25th of 
June, 1873, the day preceding the Annual Commencement. 
A number of the descendants and relatives of Mr. Kirkland, 
living in different parts of the country, were present. Four 
venerable and highly respected gentlemen, students of Hamil- 
ton Oneida Academy, some sixty-three years ago, were also in 
attendance. These were Mr. George Bristol, Mr. John 
Thompson, Mr. Gaius Butler, and Mr. John C. Hastings. 
Twenty or more Indians, from the neighborhood of Oneida 
Castle, were also present, by invitation, and took part in the 
exercises. Among these were Daniel Skenandoa and 
Thomas Skenandoa, 'the first a Grand Sachem of the 
Oneidas, and the second a priest, and both of them great- 
grandsons of the distinguished Chief of Mr. Kirkland's time. 
Besides these there were present several other Oneida Indians, 
male and female, and one Onondaga Indian, named Griffin 
and who, while acting as interpreter, showed himself possessed 
of no little oratory. 

At half-past three o'clock, a procession was formed in front 
of the College Chapel, in the following order : — 

1. Marshal of the Day. 

2. Gilmore's Band. 

3. Undergraduates: 1, Class of 1876; 2, Class of 1875; 
3, Class of 1874; 4, Class of 1873. 

4. Trustees of Hamilton College. 

5. Descendants and relatives of Samuel Kirkland. 

6. Oneida Indians. 

7. Alumni of Hamilton Oneida Academy. 

8. Faculty of Hamilton College. 



222 APPENDIX. 

9. Alumni of Hamilton and other Colleges, in the order of 
Classes. 

10. Citizens. 

The procession marched to an open space in the Cemetery, 
near the new Monument and that of President Backus, and 
where a platform had been prepared for the proposed services. 
Hard by, also, was the humble memorial-stone erected many 
years ago to Skenandoa, the famous Indian chief and the 
friend of Mr. Kirkland. On the south side of this platform 
was suspended the portrait of Mr. Kirkland from the 
Memorial Hall, and the original list of subscribers for the 
building of Hamilton Oneida Academy. The platform was 
occupied by the Trustees and Faculty of the College, the 
speakers of the day, the descendants of Mr. Kirkland, a por- 
tion of the Indians from Oneida, and the surviving students of 
Hamilton Oneida Academy. In the centre of the stage was 
a large arm-chair, once owned by Mr. Kirkland, and on a 
table was his Family Bible. The day was pleasant, and the 
assembly convened was quite large. 

THE MONUMENT. 

The Kirkland Monument is of Rhode Island granite, from 
the quarries near Westerly. It is nine feet high. The lower 
base is four feet three and one half inches square. The base, 
containing the family name in raised capitals, is three feet 
eight inches square. The central column is two feet four 
and one half inches square at the base, and is seven and one 
half feet in height. On the four equal sides of this central 
shaft are raised panels for the several inscriptions. The cap- 
stone, which is three feet and two inches square at its greatest 
width, forms a graceful completion of the structure. 

The Monument as a whole, though not lofty, presents an 
appearance of solidity and massiveness, combined with rare 
proportion and symmetry, and both in its outlines and in the 
details of the chiseling, is a superior specimen of that depart- 
ment of art to which it belongs. 



APPENDIX. 223 

The design is a reproduction, almost in facsimile, of the 
monuments to the Rev. Dr. Cleveland and Professor 
Larned, in the Central Cemetery at New Haven, Conn. The 
work was executed by Messrs. John C. Ritter & Co., of 
New Haven, and cost about fourteen hundred dollars. 

The following are the inscriptions on the Monument : — 

(West Side.) 

Samuel Kirkland, 

Born 

At Norwich, Conn., Dec. 1, 1741. 

Graduated 

From Princeton College, in 1765. 

Missionary 

To the Oneida Indians, 

Prom 1776 to 1797. 

Founder 

of Hamilton Oneida Academy in 1793. 

Died 

At Clinton, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1808. 

(South Side.) 

Jerusha Bingham, 

Wife of 

Samuel Kirkland, 

Born at Salisbury, Conn., 1743. 

Died at Sfockbridge, Mass., Jan. 23, 1788. 

Mary Donnally, 

Second wife of 

Samuel Kirkland, 

Born at Newport, R. I., 1754. 

Died at Clinton, N. Y., Aug. 1839. 

(East Side.) 

Eliza Kirkland, 

Third daughter of 

Samuel Kirkland, 

and wife of 

Prof. Edward Robinson, 

Born at Stockbridge, Mass., in 1784. 

Died at Clinton, N. Y., July 5, 1819. 



224 APPENDIX. 

(North Side.) 

" It is my earnest wish that the institution may grow and nourish ; that 
its advantages may be permanent and extensive ; and that under the 
smiles of the God of Wisdom, it may prove an eminent means of diffusing 
useful knowledge, enlarging the bounds of human happiness, and aiding 
the reign of virtue and the kingdom of the blessed Redeemer." 

Samuel Kirkland. 

Addresses were delivered on this occasion by Rev. S. G. 
Brown, D. D., President of Hamilton College, by Hon. 0. S. 
Williams, LL.D., by Ex-Gov. Seymour, and by Chancellor 
Woolworth, of Albany. 

At the conclusion of Dr. Woolworth's remarks, President 
Brown extended a welcome to the Oneida Indians present. 
He introduced to the audience Thomas Skenandoa and 
Daniel Skenandoa, both of whom spoke in their native lan- 
guage, and were interpreted at short intervals, for the benefit 
of the assembly, by an Indian interpreter. Rev. Daniel 
Moose, missionary to the Oneidas, then read a paper embody- 
ing the substance of the two Indian speeches. It was as fol- 
lows : — 

Brothers : We have come from our homes to join hands 
with you to do honor to the memory of a friend of our fore- 
fathers. We remember the good Kirkland as the faithful 
friend of my great grandfather. 

He was sent by the Good Spirit to teach the Indians to be 
good and happy ; as the sun cometh in the early morning so 
he came from the east in 1766, to gladden the hearts of my 
people and to cover them with the light of the Great Spirit. 
He came in and went out before them ; he walked hand in 
hand with the great Skenandoa. 

As Kirkland was their counselor, their physician, their 
spiritual father and friend, so was Skenandoa, like the tall 
hemlock, the glory of our people, the mighty sachem and 
counselor of the Iroquois and the true friend of the white man. 
His soul was a beam of fire, his heart was big with goodness, 



APPENDIX. 225 

his head was like a clear lamp, and his tongue was great in 
council. 

Kirkl&nd was to my nation like a great light in a dark 
place. His soul was like the sun, without any dark spots upon 
it, and we first learned through him to he good. Our father 
then gave him much land, and he gave to your children 
Hamilton Oneida Academy. 

Where to-day are Kikkland and Skenandoa ? They are 
gone ! The Great Spirit reached out of his window and took 
them from us, and we see them no more. When sixty-nine 
snows had fallen and melted away, then the good Kirkland 
went to his long home. 

And at the age of 110 years we laid beside him John 
Skenandoa, the great sachem of the Iroquois. Arm in arm, 
as brothers, they walked life's trail ; and, united in death, 
nothing can separate them : but they will go up together in 
the great resurrection. 

When they went down to their long sleep the night was 
dark ; when the morning came it did not remove the dark- 
ness from our people. They wet their eyes with big drops, and 
a heavy cloud was on them. 

The council fires of the Iroquois died, and their hearts 
grew flint ; then our people scattered like frightened deer, and 
we Indians here to-day, standing by the mighty dead, are the 
only few of the once powerful Iroquois. They are all gone, 
but the deeds of Kirkland and Skenandoa will never die ; 
their memory is dear to us and will not fail ; so long as the 
sun lights the sky by day and the moon by night, we will rub 
the mould and dust from their gravestones, and say, — 
" Brothers, here sleep the good and the brave." 

At the close of this address, a company of Indians, men and 
women, stepped upon the platform, and sang an anthem in the 
tongue wherein they were born, whose simple, plaintive tones 
touched all hearts. The exercises were then concluded with 
the benediction by Rev. Dr. Kendall, of New York. 
15 



226 



APPENDIX. 



D. 

The following is a copy of the original subscriptions towards 
the building of the Hamilton Oneida Academy, in 1793 : — 



A ames of Subscribers. 
Samuel Kirkland, 



Cash. 
£ s. d. 
10 00 



John Sergeant, 


4 








Moses Foot, 


2 








James Dean, 


8 








Zed h Sanger. 








Sewall Hopkins, 


2 








Timothy Tuttle, 


2 








Dan. Bradley, 


o 








Eli Bristoll, 


1 








Ralph Kirkland, 


1 


16 





Shene D. Sackett, 





8 





Seth Blair, 


1 


- 


- 


Deodorus Clark, 


o 


- 


- 


Erastus Clark, 


2 


- 


- 


Jonas Piatt, 


3 


- 


- 


Thos. Cassety, 


3 


- 


- 


Isaac Jones, 


1 


10 


- 


Elias Kane, 


10 


- 


- 


Henry Merrill, 


1 


- 


- 


John Young, 


2 


- 


- 


Jesse Munger, 


1 


- 


- 


Sam 1 Laird, 


2 


- 


- 


Elizur Mosely, 


4 


- 


- 


Lorin Webb 





8 





Joshua Vaughan, 





4 






Other Items. 

and 15 days' work. Also, 300 acres 
of land for the use and benefit of 
the Academy, to be loaned, and 
the product applied toward the 
support of an able Instructor. 

and 1000 ft. timber, 5000 ft. boards, 

and 20 days' work, 
and 2000 ft. hemlock boards. 
100 ft. 7X9 glass, 100 acres of land, 

of 45th lot in the 20th township 

in the Unadilla purchase, 
and ten days' labor. 
500 ft. clapboards, 1000 shingles, and 

1 days' work. 

400 ft. timber, and 20 days' work, 
and 6 days' work, 
and 6 days' work, 
and 6 days' work, 
and 1000 ft. of boards. 



- and three days' work. 



and 4 days' work, 
and 2000 ft. clapboards. 
and 2000 ft. boards. 
and 6 days' work, 
and 1000 ft. boards. 





APPENDIX. 227 




£ s. 


d. 




Ephr m Blackmer, 


6 







Joseph Blackmer, 


1 





and 3 days' work. 


Israel Green, 


8 





and 6 days' work. 


Joel Bristoll, 


1 





and 300 ft. timber, and 20 days' 
work. 


Ezra Hart, 


1 





and 6 days' work. 


Aaron Henman, 


10 





and 6 days' work. 


Abner Ormsby, 


- - 




1000 nails. 


Stephen Willard, 


2 - 


- 


200 ft. timber, 20 p d9 nails, and 6 
days' work. 


Bronson Foot, 


1 12 


- 


and 1000 ft. boards, and 6 days' 
work. 


Consider Law, 


- - 


- 


4 days' work. 


John Blunt, 


- - 


- 


1000 ft. boards, and 3 days' work. 


Solomon Thomson, 


- 8 


- 


and 6 days' work. 


John Townsend, 


o _ 


- 




Amos Parmely, 


- 10 


- 




Nathan Townsend, 


1 10 


- 




Silas Phelps, 


o _ 


- 


payable in blacksmith work. 


Moses Dewitt, 


3 







Thomas Hooker, 


1 10 


- 




Noah Taylor, 


- 16 


- 


payable in grain. 


Nath 1 Griffin, 


4 - 


- 


payable in grain. 


Hob* Darke, 


4 - 


- 


" " " 


Eliakim Elmore, 


1 16 


- 


n a a 


Ebenezer Seeley, 


1 - 


- 


and 3 £ payable in timber. 


Sami Wells, 


1 - 


- 


and 3 days' labor. 


Peleg Havens, 


1 - 


- 


and 3 £ payable in grain. 


Thomas Hart, 


3 - 


- 




Ira Foot, 


2 - 


- 


and 1000 ft. boards, and 20 days' 
work. 


Joseph Boynton, 


- 10 


- 


and 2 days surveying land. 


Ebenezer Butler, 


2 





200 ft. timber, 100 ft. boards, and 
500 clapboards. 


Timothy Pond Jr., 


1 





and 1000 ft. boards. 


Broome & Piatt, 


- - 


- 


300 ft. of 7X9 glass. 


Stephen Barrett, 


- - 


- 


40 shillings, value in pine boards, 
first rate. 


Seth Roberts, 


3 - 


- 




Amos Kellogg, 


1 - 


- 


and six days' work. 


Oliver Tuttle, 


1 - 


- 




Elias Dewey, 


1 - 


- 


and six days' work. 



228 APPENDIX. 

£ s. d. 



Aaron Kellogg, 


1 


- 


- 


Tho s Whitcomb, 


1 


- 


- 


Ja s Smith, Jr., 


1 


- 


- 


Barnabas Pond, 








Elijah Blodgett, 








Henry Holley, 


1 


- 


- 


Seeley Finch, 


1 








Josiah Bradner, 


1 








Joseph Stanton, 




8 




Pomroy Hull, 





8 





Rufus S an ton, 




8 




Amos Blair, 


- 


8 


- 


Oliver Phelps, 


10 


- 


- 


Sam 1 T uttle, 








Peter Smith, 


10 


_ 


_ 


Tho» R. Gold, 


5 


- 


- 



and six days' work, 
and six days' work. 
1000 ft. boards. 
1000 shingles, 
and six days' work, 
and six days' work. 

and three days' work, 
and three days' work, 
and three days' work. 



1000 ft. clapboards, to be delivered 
at the mill. 



£168 8 



INDEX. 



Academy, Hamilton Oneida, 120. 

how built, 122. 

Indian boys at, 123. 
Agriculture of Kirklaud, 151. 
Agricultural products, 152. 
Agricultural Society, 152. 
Animals of Kirkland, 6. 
Authorities consulted in this history, 
Preface, 10. 

Backus, Dr. Azel, 126. 
Banks in Kirkland, 180. 
Baptist church, 113. 
Baptist ministers, 114. 
Bears in the cornfields, 57. 
Bell, first in Kirkland, 96. 
Birds of Kirkland, 5. 
Birth, fir.-t in the town, 35- 
Botany of the town, 202. 
Brothertown Indians, 15, 54. 
Brown, President, 128. 
Burglary, the first, 59. 
Burying-ground, 30. 
Bush, Peter, 197. 

Canal, Chenango, when built, 179. 

Catholic church, 116. 

Cattle, improved breeds introduced, 

152. 
Cemetery, Clinton, 157. ► 

Cemetery, college, 161. 
Cheese factories, 176. 
Chuckery, 58. 
Church, Baptist, 113. 

edifice built, 114. 

its several ministers, 115. 



Church, College, sketch of, 112. 
Church, Congregational, 90. 

first pastor installed, 93. 

its several pastors, 98. 
Church, Episcopal, its early history, 
117. 

its ministers, 118. 

house of worship, 119. 
Church, Manchester, 115. 
Church, Methodist Episcopal, 107. 

when organized, 107. 

church edifice built, 108. 

its successive ministers, 109. 
Church, Presbyterian, 98. 
Church, Roman Catholic, 116. 
Church, Universa'ist, established, 109. 

first edifice built, 110. 

successive ministers. 111. 

second church edifice, 112. 
Clarks' Mills, 174. 
Clinton, village named, 24. 
Clinton Iron Works, 175. 
College grounds, 158, 161. 
Common schools, 147. 
Couture, Jesuit missionary, 1. 
Covenant, "Half-Way," 91. 

Davis, President, 126. 

Dayton, Fort, 2. 

Deacons of a former day, 197. 

Death, first in the town, 29. 

Dedication of Kirkland Monument, 

221. 
Distillrye, 168. 
Dutch settlers, 18, 19. 
Dutch traders, 1. 



230 



INDEX. 



Dwight, President Timothy, visits the 

town, 52. 
Dwight, President Sereno, 127. 
Dwight, Rev. B. W., his High School, 
145. 
its system of instruction, 146. 
teachers, 147. 

Early explorers, 19, 20. 
Edwards, Jonathan, 12. 
Elders in Presbyterian church, 99. 
Episcopal Church, 117. 
Express Company, 180. 

Factories, cheese, 176. 
Faculty of Hamilton College, 129. 
Farmers, early, 178. 
Firesides, primitive, 196. 
First settlers, 21-27. 
houses of, 23. 
Fisher, President, 128. 
Flower-gardens of Kirkland, 60. 155. 
Foot, Moses, 22. 
Foot, Sam, 197. 
Foot-race of Indians, 216. 
Franklin Iron Works, 172. 
Fruits raised in Kirkland, 153. 
Fulling Mill, 163. 
Furnace, iron, 169. 

Gardens, useful and ornamental, 154- 

156. 
Geology of Kirkland, 4. 
Ginseng, 33, 52. 
Good Peter, 55. 

Goupil, Rend, Jesuit missionary, 1. 
Grammar School, building erected, 132. 

its preceptors, 133, 134. 

its discipline, 133. 

ils steadfastness, 198. 
Gridley, Rev. Wayne, 106. 
Grist-mill, the first, 25. 
Grounds, the College, 158. 

Hamilton Oneida Academy, 120. 
its precentors, 123. 
subscriptions for building, 226. 



Hamilton College, founded, 126. 

its presidents, 126-128. 

its processors, 128, 129. 

its treasurers, 130. 

its trustees, 130. 

its benefactors, 130. 

its buildings, 131. 
High School, Dwight's, 145. 
Home Cottage Seminary, established, 
143. 

its principals, 144. 
Horses introduced, 31. 
Horseback riding, 199. 
Horticulture of Kirkland, 153. 
Houghton Seminary, its origin, 144. 

its preceptors, 145. 
Houses, first frame built, 34. 

Incorporation of Clinton, 180. 
Indians, habits of, 36. 

noted characters among them, 
37, 40-45. 

their humor and irony, 38. 

boys at school, 123. 

destiny of the race, 17. 
Institute, Liberal, established, 136,137. 

its principals, 138, 139. 

its benefactors, 138, 140. 
Iron ore: its discover}', and position of 
the beds, 170. 

its quality and uses, 171. 
Iron, Clinton Works, 175. 
Iron, Franklin Works, 172. 

Jesuit missionaries, 1, 11. 
Jogues, Isaac, 1. 

Kellogg, Rev. Hiram H., his seminary, 
141. 

its peculiar features, 142. 

its usefulness, 143. 
Kirkland, town of, formed, 3. 

its latitude and longitude, 3. 

soil of, 3. 
Kirkland, Rev. Samuel, his early life, 
62. 

among the Seneca Indians, 65. 



INDEX. 



231 



Kirkland, Rev. Samuel, among the 
Oneidas, 69. 

his marriage, 70. 

during the Revolutionary War, 

72. 
his plan of education, 80, 81. 
founds an Academy, 82. 
is visited by Timothy Dwight 

and Jeremiah Day, 84. 
his physical traits, 85. 
his mental endowments, 87. 
moral and religious character, 

87. 
results of his labors, 89. 
monument to, 221. 

Lawyers, early in Kirkland, 178. 
Line of Property, 10. 
Lucas, Mrs. Eli, 61. 

Manchester, church of, 115. 
Manufactures, early, 162. 
Manufacture, Clinton woolen, 162, 
163. 
of nails, 163. 
of hats, 164. 
of hoes and scythes, 164, 

167. 
of clocks, 164. 
of pottery, 165. 
of bricks, 165. 
of potash, 166. 
of leather, 166. 
of chairs, 167. 
of axes and hammers, 167. 
of hay-forks, 167. 
of cotton batting, 167. 
of spoons and counterfeit money, 

168. 
of cotton cloth, at Manchester, 

169. 
of cotton cloth, at Clarks' Mills, 
174. 
Marr, Mrs., her select school, 147. 
Marshall, town of, formed from Kirk- 
land, 3. 



Meeting-house, the old white, 95. 

■when built, 55. ! 

its appearance, 96. 

the music therein, 197. 

in winter, 196. 

stoves introduced into it, 196. 

taken down, 97. 
Merchants, of early days, 178. 
Methodist Church, 107. 
Mills, grist, 166, 168. 

saw, 166, 168, 169. 
Monument to Mr. Kirkland, 221. 

Newspapers established, 181. 
North, President, 127. 
Norton, Professor Seth, 124. 
Norton, Rev. Dr., his birth and educa- 
tion, 100. 

his personal appearance, 102. 

his physical regimen, 103. 

his mental endowments, 103. 

his traits as a preacher, 104. 

his death, 106. 
Noyes, Dr. Josiah, 198. ; 

Occum, Rev. Samson, Indian preacher, 

53. 
Old Kate, 197. 
Oneida county formed, 3. 
Oneida Indians, origin of, 6. 

during the Revolution, 9. 

efforts to Christianize them, 11. 

removed west, 13. 
Orchards of Kirkland, 153. 
Oriskany, battle of, 2. 
Oriskany Creek, 3. 

Paris, town of, named, 33. 
Patriotism of the town, 184. 
Penney, resident, 127. 
Peter, Good, 55. 
Physicians, early, 178. 
Pillions, for horseback riding, 199. 
Plank road, 179. 
Plants of Kirkland, 202. 
Plattkopf, an Oneida Chief, 50. 



232 



INDEX. 



Pond, Major, and the Oneida Chief, 

44. 
Population of the f own, 181. 
Population of Clinton, 181. 
Presbyterian Church, 98. 
Properly Line, 10. 

Pace, Indian foot-race, 216-220. 
Railroad, Rome and Clinton, built, 

183. 
Railroad, Utica, Clinton, and Bing- 

hamt n, built, 183. 
Religious service, first, 26. 
Review, general, of the period of this 

history, 195. 
Royce, Jliss Nancy, Seminary, 135. 
Rural Art Society, 156. 

Sabbath keeping, in old times, 198. 

Scarcity of food, 31. 

Shools, common, 147. 

Schuyler, Fort, 2. 

Settlers, the first, 21. 

Settlers, other first, 27. 

Sheep, merino, introduced, 162. 

Skenatidoa, 47. 

some of his descendants to-day, 
221. 
Singers of the olden time, 197. 
Singing Schools, 196. 



Soil of Kirkland, 5. 
Soldiers, of the Revolution, 184. 
of the War of 1812, 185. 
of the War of the Rebellion, 
186-195. 
Stanwix, Foit, 2, 216. 
Staring, Heinrich, 43. 
Steer, stor}' of "the fiue, fat steer," 

39. 
Stockbridge Indians, 14. 
Stone church, 97. 
Stone, sacred, of the Oneidas, 7. 
Stoves in the meeting-house, 196. 
Streets, earliest, laid out, 58. 
Streets, lat j r, laid out and named, 179. 
Subscriptions for Hamilton Oneida 

Academy, 226. 

Tanneries, 166. 

Telegraph, 179. 

Trees, native in Kirkland, 202-216. 

Trees, in college grounds, 160. 

Tuscarora Indians, 13. 

Universalist Church, 109. 

Wedding suit procured under difficul- 
ties, 163. 
White-borough, settlement of, 20. 
Wright, Mose, 197. 



9? ft 



